Inheritance Tax Planning Solicitors
Inheritance Tax Advice
At Hart Brown, our inheritance tax planning solicitors provide clear, practical advice to help you protect your estate and reduce your tax liabilities. We understand that planning for the future can feel complex, particularly when considering how much of your estate may eventually be subject to inheritance tax, which is why our specialists offer tailored support based on your personal circumstances.
Inheritance tax is charged on the value of an estate after death, once assets have been valued and liabilities deducted. Currently, inheritance tax is generally charged at 40% on the value of an estate above the available tax-free thresholds, including the nil rate band. With the right inheritance tax planning, however, there are often effective ways to reduce the amount payable and preserve more of your wealth for future generations.
Our team offers personalised inheritance tax advice to individuals, families, executors and trustees, helping clients make informed decisions about wills, trusts, gifts, pensions and wider estate planning arrangements. Through careful planning, our solicitors have helped many clients save substantial sums and ensure their assets pass to loved ones as intended.
Reducing Inheritance Tax on your estate
There are several legitimate ways to reduce inheritance tax liability, depending on the structure of your estate.
For example, assets left to a spouse or civil partner are usually exempt from inheritance tax. Making gifts during your lifetime may also reduce liability, particularly where the seven-year rule applies. In many cases, pensions can also form an effective part of estate planning, as they often fall outside the taxable estate.
By placing assets into a trust, it may be possible to control how wealth is passed on. Our solicitors regularly advise clients on selecting the right trust structure and ensuring it works effectively alongside their will.
If you are considering gifting money, property or investments to children or grandchildren, speaking to one of our inheritance tax planning solicitors before taking action can be extremely valuable. Gifts can have both inheritance tax and capital gains tax consequences, and early advice can often prevent costly mistakes.
Inheritance Tax Planning in Surrey
Our experienced team of inheritance tax planning solicitors are here to help you make informed decisions and protect your estate for future generations. Whether you need one-off inheritance tax advice or long-term estate planning, we will provide clear and practical guidance throughout.
Please call us on 01483 887766, email us or contact us via live chat to speak to a tax planning specialist today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay taxes on inheritance?
Not everyone will owe inheritance tax. It usually only applies if the value of the estate exceeds the available tax-free allowances. Many people can pass on assets without paying any tax at all. Our team can provide personalised inheritance tax advice to help you understand your situation and plan effectively.
How much can you inherit before paying inheritance tax?
Most estates benefit from a £325,000 nil rate band, with additional allowances sometimes available where a main residence is passed to direct descendants.
How much inheritance tax will I pay?
Inheritance tax is typically charged at 40% on the value of the estate above the thresholds. However, careful planning, such as lifetime gifts, trusts, or charitable donations, can reduce the amount payable. Our inheritance tax planning solicitors can guide you through the options available to potentially lower your liability.
Solicitors specialising in inheritance tax – when should I seek advice?
It’s never too early to speak to a specialist, particularly when reviewing your will, making substantial gifts, setting up trusts or planning family succession.
When do you pay inheritance tax?
Inheritance tax is generally payable within six months from the end of the month of death. Executors are responsible for arranging payment – if you’re unsure of what to do next, our solicitors can advise.



