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The Autumn Budget’s Impact on Inheritance Tax Planning

Nov 26, 2024 | Inheritance Tax Planning

The Autumn Budget 2024 has introduced significant changes to the UK’s inheritance tax (IHT) framework, impacting estate planning strategies for individuals and families.

These reforms aim to address fiscal challenges while promoting fairness in wealth transfer. Below is an overview of the key changes and their implications for IHT planning.

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Key Changes to Inheritance Tax

1. Freezing of IHT Thresholds Until 2030

The nil-rate band (£325,000) and the residence nil-rate band (£175,000) will remain unchanged until April 2030. This prolonged freeze, extending the thresholds' stagnation since 2009 and 2020 respectively, is expected to subject more estates to IHT as asset values rise over time.

2. Inclusion of Pension Funds in IHT Calculations

Starting April 2027, unused pension funds will be considered part of an individual's estate for IHT purposes. This change aims to close a loophole that allowed pension wealth to be passed on tax-free, potentially increasing the tax liability for beneficiaries.

3. Reform of Agricultural and Business Property Reliefs

From April 2026, the 100% relief on agricultural and business property will be limited to the first £1 million of combined assets. Assets exceeding this threshold will qualify for a reduced 50% relief, effectively imposing a 20% IHT rate on the excess value. This reform is intended to ensure that wealthier estates contribute more to public finances.

4. Reduction of Relief on AIM Investments

Tax relief on Alternative Investment Market (AIM) shares, previously exempt from IHT if held for over two years, will be reduced to 50%. This change, effective from April 2026, is expected to impact investors who utilized AIM shares for tax-efficient estate planning.

5. Abolition of Non-Domicile Tax Status

The government plans to end the non-domicile tax status by April 2025, subjecting long-term UK residents to UK tax on their worldwide income and gains. This move aims to address tax avoidance and increase fairness in the tax system.

Implications and Reactions

These reforms have sparked significant debate. The inclusion of pension funds in IHT calculations and the reduction of reliefs on agricultural and business properties have raised concerns about the financial impact on families and businesses. Critics argue that these changes could lead to the sale of family-owned farms and businesses to meet tax liabilities, potentially affecting the continuity of family enterprises.

The reduction of relief on AIM investments may discourage investment in smaller companies, potentially impacting their growth and access to capital. The abolition of non-domicile status is expected to affect wealthy individuals who have benefited from favourable tax treatment, possibly leading to a reassessment of their residency status.

 

Conclusion

The Autumn Budget 2024 introduces substantial changes to the UK’s IHT regime, reflecting the government’s intent to increase tax revenues and promote fairness. These reforms will have wide-ranging implications for estate planning, investment strategies, and the financial decisions of individuals and businesses. It is advisable for those affected to seek professional advice to navigate these changes effectively.

* Estate Planning and Inheritance Tax are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

Business Property Relief invests in assets that are high risk and can be difficult to sell such as shares in unlisted companies. The value of the investment and the income from it can fall as well as rise and investors may not get back what they originally invested, even taking into account the tax benefits.

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There are numerous ways to mitigate Inheritance Tax Planning (IHT), but we find that the majority of cases utilise a combination of the following:

Inheritance tax planning traffic light comparison

AccessSpeedSimpleControlCost
Gifting
Whole of Life
Loan Trust
Discounted Gift Trust
Flexible Reversionary Trust
Business Property Relief
How each of the solutions fare in relation to these issues is indicated above using a traffic light system; green being the most favourable.

Please note: this graphic is subjective to change, not every expert will agree on the distribution of colours. There is much more to know before you act and that you should always seek financial advice first.

If you have any questions or queries call us on: 0800 093 4115

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