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We are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
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We are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Inheritance Tax and Estate Planning

Inheritance Tax is a tax on the estate of someone who has died, and how much is paid, depends on the value of that estate.

Importantly, there is normally no tax to pay if either the value of the estate is below £325,000 or if the estate is left to a surviving spouse, civil partner, a charity or a community amateur sports club. If neither of the above applies, the estate will be taxed at 40% on anything above the £325,000.

An additional allowance of £175,000, something called the ‘residence nil rate band’, is available if a main residence is left to direct descendants including children and grandchildren. However, this allowance decreases by £1 for every £2 where the value of the estate exceeds £2 million.

Inheritance Tax Mitigation

Inheritance Tax Mitigation

  • Money given away before you die is still usually counted as part of your estate unless you live for a further seven years.
  • You can give £3,000 away each tax year inheritance tax-free.
  • Gifts to charities and political parties are inheritance tax-free.
  • You can give £250 each year to everyone you know.
  • You can give away money from income without having to pay tax (as long as it doesn’t diminish your lifestyle).
  • Wedding gifts (up to a limit) are tax-free.
Things to think about

Things to think about...

  • The earlier you find out about a potential inheritance tax liability, the better it will be to plan how to pass on your assets.
  • When making a gift, it must be genuine and unconditional that you will not gain from. The biggest asset for most people is their house but giving part or all of this to the children will not work if you continue to live in it.
  • Consider switching your ISA investments to AIM-quoted companies and holding them for at least two years before death.
  • Don’t be the richest person in the graveyard when you could be spending or giving away more now.

How we work

We keep it straightforward and simple.

1  

Arrange a Lifestyle Planning Meeting

A meeting at our expense to identify where you are now, how you got to where you are now, and where you’re trying to get to in the next 5, 10 and 20 years and so on for the rest of your life; in other words, a Lifestyle Plan.

     
2  

Arrange a Financial Planning Meeting

Another meeting, again at our expense, to identify all the resources available to you now, resources that will become available in future, and most importantly resources that might have to become available to satisfy the needs of your Lifestyle Plan.

     
3  

Arrange an Implementation Meeting of your Financial Plan

If, and only if, your Financial Plan indicates that that your needs would be best served by a financial or investment product and service, it is at this point that a recommendation will be made, again at our expense. If you are happy to go ahead in full knowledge of the facts and the fees involved, we can then start to implement your Financial Plan. If you want to walk away at this point, no problem; we wish you well and it won’t have cost you anything.

     
4  

Arrange an Annual Forward Planning Meeting

Now on board as a Sutherland IFA fee-paying client, an annual meeting is held to make sure that your Lifestyle Plan and your Financial Plan are on track to meet your financial goals and objectives.

What our clients say...

10 Reviews

Good updates and investment advice

Thanks for keeping us updated and for all your hard work in looking after our investment funds so far, difficult times all round. Your plan is fine with me!

HD, Oxford

10 Reviews

Indepth investment reports

Your reports are always very interesting and I always learn something when I read them. We have complete trust in you. Thank you.

AP and BP, Underwood

10 Reviews

Extremely informative emails

I just wanted to thank you very much for keeping me up-to-date with your extremely informative emails on the current financial situation in these very challenging times. You must be worn out keeping abreast with the changing markets, but your emails help so much to keep calm. Needless to say, I am not watching the markets on principle and am leaving it to your very capable hands and it is much appreciated.

CC, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire

10 Reviews

Just to say thank you for your help and support

S and I are very grateful for the way that you communicated clearly and put together all the information required. You are a gentleman and a true professional.

GM, Oldbury, Birmingham

10 Reviews

Very helpful information

Thank you Neil for a very good lesson to help me understand exponential growth and the excellent graphics alongside!!

PC, Farnham, Surrey

10 Reviews

Really enjoyed your latest bulletin!

Just a quick note to say how much I enjoyed your latest bulletin. Fascinating story about David Bowie and your fulsome explanation of Corporate Bonds!

DR and HS, Southfields, London

10 Reviews

Excellent advice and guidance

Neil has been my financial adviser since the late 1980s and at all times I have felt more than comfortable with his advice and guidance. I firmly believe that he places all my financial interests at the forefront of any recommendation. Over the years I have followed Neil as he has changed organisations, and it is my intention to keep Neil as my financial adviser in the long term. I have no hesitation in recommending him to you.

SE, Wandsworth

10 Reviews

Great service, always kept informed!

We have known Neil Sutherland for some time. When we sold our business we were looking for some advice on investments for the proceeds from the sale; we wanted a balanced and diversified portfolio. Neil was able to explain to us with absolute clarity his thoughts on our investments which have since proved to be sound. If there are changes in the financial markets, he always keeps us informed. We are very happy with the service that he has provided for us.

DD and PD, Ludlow, Shropshire

10 Reviews

His skill set not always found in the adviser space!

Neil Sutherland has been my IFA for many years during which time he has taken responsibility for the management of my pension and money held in Trust for my children. His background in stockbroking provides him with a skill set not always found in the adviser space. His consideration of requirements is handled professionally and intelligently with true attention to ensuring customer understanding. I trust his integrity and have always been secure in the knowledge that Neil is constantly striving to give the best return for his clients in line with their needs

AC, Wiltshire

10 Reviews

A very good understanding of financial advise

Neil has been my Financial Adviser for nearly ten years. His knowledge and understanding of financial products and markets, and the complexities of governance and the various codes of practice are all extensive. As well as having a thorough understanding of our family’s financial objectives and our attitude to risk, Neil regularly reviews and reports on our portfolio. We greatly value his advice and the fact that, being independent, he has access to a wide variety of options. I have no hesitation in recommending his services.

BM, Bath

Let’s start a conversation

We welcome the opportunity to learn more about how we can help you. Schedule a free no-obligation consultation, you might be surprised!