Latest Probate and Estate Administration

We recently visited the offices of Taylor Rose Solicitors to co-host a Post-Budget Forum at their Peterborough office on 18 November 2024, overlooking the fabulous Ferry Meadows country park.   At the event Nicholas Johnson, Partner at Taylor Rose and I lead the discussions with those in attendance from the local business community, professional advisors…

We ask the question, ‘Post Budget, should your pension planning strategy now change?’   The answer: Perhaps, but maybe not just yet. Here’s why…   A quick recap of the bad news: In recent years, some pension schemes have been increasingly used as a tax planning tool to transfer wealth without an inheritance tax charge,…

Rachel Reeves announced in the 2024 Autumn Budget that pensions will be subject to Inheritance Tax (IHT) from 6 April 2027. Pensions have always been a valuable IHT planning tool, but it seems not any more. However the actual tax charge could be up to 67% on the pension inherited, if not covered by a…

We share our key takeaways on how the Autumn Budget 2024 affects individuals. During the first Budget to be delivered by a woman, and the first Labour Budget for 14 years, Rachel Reeves set out various measures to “fix the foundations and deliver change”.   Along with Income Tax rates, Labour included a manifesto pledge not…

The second Budget of the year is due to take place on 30 October 2024. We knew one would be happening, and expected that there would be many changes announced. More will no doubt come in the next few weeks.   Ahead of this, there is confirmation of the new rules relating to Furnished Holiday…

Has the Inheritance Tax Trap caught you out?   Inheritance Tax (IHT) receipts continue to rise. There may be some who have unnecessarily overpaid due to life insurance not being in a Trust. According to NFU Mutual, 6,810 estates that paid IHT in 2021/22 included life insurance policies which could be exempt from the charge…

Do you know what happens to property when a loved one dies?   Why Choose Whitings LLP to help with administering the estate? We understand that losing a loved one can be a very difficult and challenging time. It can often be a daunting process for those appointed as personal representatives with the worry and…

Have you considered trusts when it comes to tax planning and asset protection?   The Purpose of Trusts Whilst trusts were created during the 12th century to protect the assets and interests of the nobility, these days their use is no longer restricted to higher society. Today, trusts serve the same purposes as they did…

Inheritance Tax (IHT) has traditionally been a domicile-based tax; however, the recent Spring Budget proposed a new ‘modernised residence-based regime’, which seems set to make significant changes to IHT from 6 April 2025.   The concept of Domicile The term domicile traces its roots to the Latin word “Domus”, meaning “Home”. As a concept, domicile…

Peace of mind for your family: Wills, Lasting Power of Attorneys and Inheritance Tax Planning.   Benjamin Franklin is famously quoted as saying that “nothing is certain except death and taxes”. It’s a sombre thought, but it is important to have the correct planning in place to ensure that your estate passes in accordance with…