Monday 3rd May, 2021
A basic guide to avoiding Inheritance Tax (IHT) (2021/2022)
Inheritance Tax is without a doubt the most controversial and confusing of taxes, with many people unsure of whether their estate will be subject to the 40% Inheritance Tax charge or not. There are difficult concepts such as the Nil Rate Band, Residential Nil Rate Band, gifts with reservation and the IHT 7 year rule, which make it hard for anybody to navigate the complex IHT rules. Many people feel that IHT is unfair, as they have paid taxes all their lives and therefore shouldn't be taxed at death as well. Inheritance Tax for landlords with large property portfolios can be particularly difficult to manage and can leave their executor with a difficult and costly IHT problem. Their main concern is to pass their estate over to their loved ones as efficiently as possible and therefore want to know how to avoid Inheritance Tax (IHT) and reduce their IHT bill. This article will provide a step by step process to putting in place a plan that can help you to reduce your IHT bill carefully and effectively.
Read a basic guide to avoiding Inheritance Tax, or watch our video...Monday 26th April, 2021
Is my pension pot big enough to retire on?
One of the main questions I am asked at barbeques and parties is, “How much do I need to retire?”. It’s a really valid question, when you consider that you could spend 30 – 40 years in retirement and it is therefore important that you have enough money to enjoy it.
Read moreMonday 12th April, 2021
What are my pension retirement options?
I am frequently asked by retiring client's, "What can I do with my pension pot?" This is a crucial question, because since the implementation of pension freedoms there are several options for using your pension. Whether as a cash lump sum, annuity or flexi-access drawdown, the world is your oyster when it comes to accessing money from your pension pot. However, there are many misconceptions around the options for cashing in your pension. Theses incorrect notions can be detrimental, as the decisions you make now will impact the success of your retirement in later years. It is therefore crucial that you understand all the possibilities. The guide below will provide you with a breakdown of the two most common retirement options and some strategies you can apply to help you make the most of your pension income.
Read moreMonday 5th April, 2021
The art of tax efficient investing
The best way I can demonstrate the impact of effective tax planning is through a little theoretical exercise I do with my UK clients. The first thing I ask them is how much income can a married couple, both aged 65, earn in retirement before they have to pay tax? The standard answer is £25,140 based on two personal Income Tax allowances. This answer is understandable, but incorrect.
Read about the art of tax efficient investing, or watch the video