Inheritance Tax and Estate Planning
Inheritance tax can have a significant impact on the value of what you pass on, but with the right planning, you can reduce liabilities and protect your estate. Martin Shepherd Solicitors provides clear, tailored advice from our Potters Bar, Hertford and North Finchley offices, helping clients across North London and Hertfordshire to make informed decisions, use available allowances, and ensure assets are distributed according to their wishes.
How We Can Help
Inheritance tax rules can be complex, but we make them clear and manageable. Whether you are planning ahead, reviewing your Will, or updating arrangements after a change in circumstances, we provide advice that is tailored to your needs and goals, including:
With our guidance, you can take practical steps to minimise inheritance tax and ensure your estate is passed on in line with your wishes.
Understanding Inheritance Tax and Estate Planning
Inheritance tax (IHT) is a tax on the value of everything you leave behind when you die, from property and savings to personal belongings. With some thoughtful planning, you can often reduce the amount payable and make things simpler for the people dealing with your estate. We explain the rules in plain language, help you make the most of allowances, and create a plan that reflects your wishes.
When inheritance tax applies
IHT usually applies if the total value of your estate is above a certain tax-free allowance, called the nil rate band. This is currently £325,000, with an extra allowance available if you leave your main home to direct descendants. Understanding how these allowances work makes it easier to see where you stand.
Allowances and exemptions
There are many ways to reduce IHT — from making gifts during your lifetime to leaving money to charity, or using reliefs such as Business Relief or Agricultural Relief. Knowing which ones you can use means more of your estate can go to the people and causes that matter to you.
Planning during your lifetime
Good estate planning often involves a mix of lifetime gifts, trusts, and updates to your Will. Reviewing your plans regularly keeps them effective and ensures they still match your wishes and the current tax rules.
IHT and the administration process
When someone dies, the executors need to value the estate, work out if any IHT is due, and pay HMRC before the estate can be passed on. We can take care of these steps, making sure everything is accurate, on time, and handled with care.
Emotional and Practical Support
Thinking about inheritance tax and estate planning isn’t just about figures on a page — it’s about your wishes for the future and the people you care about most. We know these can be personal decisions, and we take the time to understand what matters to you before offering clear, tailored advice.
We also take care of the practical side, from explaining your options in plain language to handling the technical paperwork and ensuring deadlines are met. You decide how much or how little you want us to manage, with the reassurance that every detail will be handled with care and professionalism.
Above all, we are here to put your needs first.
Local, Trusted Solicitors
Martin Shepherd Solicitors has been advising individuals and families on inheritance tax and estate planning for many years, providing reliable and practical legal guidance that is tailored to each client’s circumstances. We stay up to date with the latest tax rules to ensure our advice is accurate and effective.
With offices in Potters Bar, Hertford and North Finchley, we are easily accessible for clients across North London and Hertfordshire. Whether you prefer to meet face to face, speak over the phone, or arrange a video call, you will receive the same attentive service, clear explanations, and commitment to protecting your estate for the future.
Plan with confidence
The right inheritance tax and estate planning advice can make a lasting difference for you and your loved ones. Speak to one of our solicitors today to start putting the right arrangements in place.
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