Nobody likes to think about death, even though it’s arguably the most certain thing about life. When you die, what happens to your estate is already largely decided. For some people, this means that the single biggest beneficiary is HM Revenue & Customs.

But you can take steps now to make sure those you care about most, benefit most. And we can help you. Lisa has a deep understanding of inheritance tax planning and approaches this delicate area with care and compassion. She’s here to guide you through the process, ensuring your wishes are respected and helping to ensure loved ones are looked after.

The effects of inheritance tax can be devastating, but there are things you can do:

• Ensure your Will* is up to date, structured and written correctly
• Consider transferring assets using lifetime gifts
• Look at creating a tax-efficient fund, to allow the beneficiaries of your estate to meet the tax liability without eroding family wealth
• Intergenerational wealth management
• Transferring some of your wealth during your lifetime, can be an effective and efficient way of helping your children or parents when they need it most, rather than waiting for your Will to take effect.

Showing your loved ones how much you care starts with reviewing your current financial arrangements - especially when it comes to inheritance tax.  Taking time now to assess your provisions, explore available reliefs, and consider strategies like gifting or trusts can help ensure your wealth is passed on efficiently and in line with your wishes. It’s a meaningful way to protect your legacy and support those you care about most.

The levels and bases of taxation and reliefs from taxation can change at any time. The value of any tax relief depends on individual circumstances.

*Will writing involves a service that is separate and distinct to those offered by St. James's Place. Wills and Trusts are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.