Inheritance Tax Planning Solicitors

We can help you

Call today to speak with our team.

0800 988 7756

Inheritance Tax can be a complex and often worrying subject, especially when you want to ensure that your loved ones benefit from your estate in the way you intend. At Levi Solicitors, our Inheritance Tax planning solicitors provide clear, practical advice to help you protect your assets and make informed decisions about your future.

We understand that tax planning and estate management can feel daunting. You might not know where to start, only that you want to make sure your family is looked after. That’s where we come in. Our friendly will-writing team will take the time to understand your situation and create a clear, actionable plan that reflects your wishes and protects your wealth.

Whether you’re reviewing your will, setting up a trust, or thinking about how gifts and investments might affect your tax position, we’ll ensure every detail is covered.

Book An Appointment

How can we help?

Complete our enquiry form and we’ll get back to you.

w

Our Inheritance Tax planning solicitors have extensive experience working with individuals and families from all backgrounds. We’ll guide you through the process, helping you plan effectively and avoid unexpected tax liabilities. Our expertise includes:

Reviewing and drafting wills
Lifetime gift planning
Establishing and managing trusts
Succession and estate planning
Deeds of variation
Probate and estate administration

Contact our Inheritance Tax planning solicitors in Leeds and London

If you’re ready to start planning or just want to understand your options, call us on 0800 988 7756 or fill in the enquiry form on this page. We offer a free initial consultation to help you understand how we can assist, even if you’re not yet certain which service you need.

Our Inheritance Tax planning solicitors are available in Leeds, Moortown and London, offering straightforward advice that you can rely on.

Why choose our Inheritance Tax planning solicitors?

At Levi Solicitors, we believe that everyone deserves access to clear, honest legal advice, not just those who already understand the system. Our Inheritance Tax planning solicitors are here to make the process as simple and stress-free as possible.

We’ll take the time to understand your family, finances, and future goals. Then we’ll put together a bespoke plan that helps you pass on your wealth efficiently while staying compliant with current tax laws.

We pride ourselves on being clear and thorough at all stages of the process, leaving no stone unturned when it comes to protecting your assets. Our team are both approachable and experienced, boasting a vast portfolio of clients we’ve helped to reduce Inheritance Tax liabilities and structure their estates effectively.

From simple estates to complex trust arrangements, our tax planning solicitors have the expertise to guide you every step of the way. Our Wills, probate and estate planning team is headed by Andrew Milburn, who is a member of STEP (the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners) and is an accredited member of The Association of Lifetime Lawyers. Moreover, all of our team are Dementia Friends.

Our Inheritance Tax planning services

Reviewing and drafting wills

A well-drafted will is one of the most effective ways to plan for Inheritance Tax. Our Inheritance Tax planning solicitors can review your existing will or create a new one that reflects your wishes while making use of all available tax allowances.

We’ll ensure your will is structured to take advantage of exemptions such as the nil-rate band and residence nil-rate band, helping to protect your loved ones and minimise the impact of Inheritance Tax.

Lifetime gift planning

Gifting assets during your lifetime can be an excellent way to reduce your estate’s future tax bill, but it must be done correctly to ensure your wishes are fulfilled. We’ll guide you through the rules for potentially exempt transfers (PETs), annual exemptions, and small gift allowances, ensuring that your generosity doesn’t create unintended tax consequences.

Our Inheritance Tax planning advice will help you strike the right balance between supporting your family now and safeguarding your own financial security.

Establishing and managing trusts

Trusts can be a powerful tool for managing assets and controlling the transfer of wealth. Our Inheritance Tax planning solicitors advise on creating and administering all types of trusts, from discretionary to life interest trusts.

We’ll help you understand how trusts can be used to protect vulnerable beneficiaries, plan for care home costs, and mitigate Inheritance Tax exposure, all while ensuring your trustees meet their legal obligations.

Succession and estate planning

Effective estate planning is inherently about ensuring your legacy is passed on in a way that supports those you care about. Our solicitors will work closely with you to develop a succession plan that aligns with your long-term goals.

We’ll consider your family dynamics, business interests, and property ownership, ensuring that your estate is distributed smoothly and tax-efficiently. When you work with the team at Levi Solicitors, you’re putting your trust in a team that truly has your best interests at heart.

Deeds of variation

If you have recently inherited an estate, a Deed of Variation allows beneficiaries to adjust how the estate is distributed, often to reduce Inheritance Tax or make provisions for other family members. Our Inheritance Tax planning solicitors can draft and register deeds of variation quickly and efficiently, ensuring that any changes are valid and legally compliant.

Probate and estate administration

When someone passes away, their estate may be subject to Inheritance Tax before it can be distributed. Our probate and estate administration team will handle the entire process, from applying for the Grant of Probate to submitting Inheritance Tax returns and distributing assets.

We’ll work carefully and compassionately to ensure that the estate is managed in line with the law and your loved one’s wishes. If you’re facing disputes around a loved one’s estate, trust or will, our expert contentious probate team can ensure you’re well-represented and in the best position to secure the outcome you deserve.

Frequently asked questions about Inheritance Tax planning

What is the current Inheritance Tax (IHT) threshold?

As of the current tax year, the standard Inheritance Tax threshold (known as the nil-rate band) is £325,000. Estates valued below this amount usually do not pay Inheritance Tax. However, additional allowances, such as the residence nil-rate band, may increase the threshold if you leave your home to direct descendants.

UK Inheritance Tax planning involves structuring an estate and taking certain actions during someone’s lifetime to legitimately reduce the amount of tax that will be payable by the estate in the future.

There are several ways of doing this and you are strongly advised to seek expert advice to ensure that you choose the right option for your situation and your loved ones. Inheritance Tax planning is a complex area of law and mistakes can be exceptionally costly.

How does Inheritance Tax work?

Inheritance Tax (IHT) is charged on the value of your estate when you pass away, after any debts and exemptions are deducted. The standard rate is 40%, though this can be reduced to 36% if at least 10% of your estate is left to charity. Lifetime gifts may also be subject to IHT if made within seven years of your death.

What assets are subject to Inheritance Tax?

Inheritance Tax applies to most of your assets, including property, cash savings, investments, business interests, and personal belongings. Certain pensions and life insurance policies may be excluded if structured correctly, which is something our Inheritance Tax planning solicitors can expertly advise on.

Are there any exemptions or reliefs from Inheritance Tax?

Yes: common exemptions include transfers between spouses or civil partners, charitable donations, and small or regular gifts from income. There are also specific business property and agricultural reliefs that can significantly reduce Inheritance Tax on qualifying assets.

When should I start thinking about Inheritance Tax planning?

It’s never too early to start planning for Inheritance Tax. The sooner you act, the more options you’ll have for tax-efficient gifting, trust creation and succession planning. Even small steps taken early can make a big difference later on.

Can gifting reduce my Inheritance Tax bill, and what are the rules around it?

Yes, gifting can reduce your estate’s taxable value, but the rules are strict. Gifts made more than seven years before death are generally exempt, while those made within that period may be taxed on a sliding scale. Our Inheritance Tax planning advice will help you plan gifts strategically to maximise exemptions and minimise risk.

What role do trusts play in Inheritance Tax planning?

Trusts allow you to pass assets to beneficiaries while maintaining a level of control over how they are used. Depending on the type of trust, they can provide Inheritance Tax advantages, protect assets from creditors, or ensure funds are managed responsibly for minors or vulnerable individuals.

Do I need a solicitor for Inheritance Tax planning?

While it’s possible to handle some elements yourself, Inheritance Tax planning can be complex. Mistakes can lead to unnecessary tax liabilities or disputes later on. Working with experienced Inheritance Tax planning solicitors ensures your affairs are handled correctly, efficiently and in line with your goals.

Contact our Inheritance Tax planning solicitors in Leeds and London

If you’re ready to start planning or just want to understand your options, call us on 0800 988 7756 or fill in the enquiry form on this page. We offer a free initial consultation to help you understand how we can assist, even if you’re not yet certain which service you need.

Our Inheritance Tax planning solicitors are available in Leeds, Moortown and London, offering straightforward advice that you can rely on.