Meet John

John had always assumed inheritance tax planning was only relevant for “very large estates.” But as property values increased and family assets accumulated over time, he began to question whether that assumption still held true.

He wasn’t looking for complex schemes — he wanted clarity.

John’s priority was to understand his current position, identify potential exposure under current legislation, and consider whether any practical planning steps were appropriate for his circumstances.

The situation

John’s planning started with a simple question: “Am I likely to be affected by inheritance tax?”

He wanted:

• A clear picture of how his estate may be assessed
• Guidance on allowances and reliefs relevant to his circumstances
• A structured overview of planning options
• Confidence that any steps taken would be appropriate and compliant

Like many clients, John found online information fragmented and often contradictory. He wanted professional, measured guidance that focused on his specific circumstances rather than generic advice.

What mattered most

John cared about:

• Clarity — understanding what matters, what doesn’t, and why
• Structure — a plan that fits his wider estate arrangements
• Proportion — taking sensible steps, not overcomplicating matters
• Compliance — ensuring everything aligned with current legislation

He also wanted to ensure that decisions were taken in a way that supported long-term family goals, not short-term reactions.

Our approach

We began with a structured review of John’s estate position and objectives.

1) Understanding the estate position

We discussed the broad composition of John’s assets and how different asset types may be treated under current inheritance tax rules. This allowed us to build a clear picture of potential exposure and planning priorities.

2) Reviewing planning options

We then worked through appropriate planning considerations — including how Wills, lifetime gifting, and trust structures may interact as part of wider estate planning.

Importantly, we focused on what was proportionate. Where certain options weren’t suitable or necessary, we said so.

3) Aligning documentation and intentions

Finally, we ensured John’s intentions were clearly reflected in his wider estate plan so that arrangements worked together logically and were properly structured.

The outcome

John left the review with a clear understanding of his position and the confidence of having a structured plan — whether that meant taking action now or simply knowing where he stood.

For John, the value wasn’t in complexity — it was in clarity and informed decision-making.

As he put it:

“I didn’t want guesswork. I wanted to understand where I stood and what options made sense. It was clear, practical, and measured.”

Key takeaways

• Inheritance tax planning often starts with a structured review, not immediate action
• Clarity on exposure and allowances helps families make informed decisions
• The best planning is proportionate, compliant, and aligned with wider estate arrangements

If you’re asking similar questions

If you’re unsure whether inheritance tax planning applies to you — or you want a structured review of your current arrangements — our team can help you understand your position and explore appropriate options.