If your estate is worth more than £325,000 everything above that figure could be taxed at 40 per cent when you die. So how can you mitigate against inheritance tax?

Here are few possible methods:

1) Give it away

The taxman can’t touch what you don’t have. But only if you live for another seven years after giving it away. Any less than seven and the inheritance tax is tapered and you need to be aware of deprivation of assets clause.

You can give away £3,000 a year inheritance tax free and there are other ways to avoid the tax, such as giving money for a wedding or civil partnership.

But do watch you don’t get tripped up by Capital Gains Tax. It might be best to get some advice.

2) Put money into a trust

Putting money in a trust for someone else effectively means you don’t own it anymore. So the taxman can’t take it into account. You do keep some control over the money, and can specify when the beneficiary can access it. But it is complicated and you do have to meet certain conditions. Again, it is worth getting advice.

3) Leave some to charity

If you leave at least ten per cent of your estate to charity, it reduces the inheritance tax due on the rest. That sounds like a win for you and a win for charity. Again, one to take advice over. But one to think about.

If you want to know any more about how you can mitigate against Inheritance Tax, please get in touch on 01246 435 996.