IHT is no longer a concern just for the wealthy. It is a growing worry for many people, especially homeowners who have benefited from growth in the value of their properties. Property is not the only asset that makes up a person’s estate. Your estate also includes: your contents and possessions, your savings and investments, your pension fund and any life insurance not in trust. 

Over the years, the IHT thresholds have, in real terms, stealthily fallen. The threshold (nil rate band) has not kept pace with property inflation and as such, more and more people are falling into the trap of paying inheritance tax. Unlike many other taxes though, there are plenty of things you can do now to make sure you pass as much of your wealth on to your family and friends, and not the taxman for example:

• Make a will
  
  
• Specialised trusts
  
  
• Gift money away and lifetime allowances
  
  
• Utilise main exemptions
  
  
• Equity release
  
  
• Life assurance policies 

The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate tax advice, trusts or wills.

Equity release is a lifetime mortgage.  To understand the features and risks, please ask for a personalised illustration.