Inheritance tax can be a complex and often overwhelming subject, but proper planning can help reduce its impact on your estate and your beneficiaries. Many people make mistakes when planning for inheritance tax, which can result in unexpected financial burdens for their loved ones. Here are some of the most common errors people make and how to avoid them.
1. Failing to Make a Will
One of the most common mistakes is not having a will in place. Without a will, your estate will be divided according to the law, which may not reflect your wishes. This can lead to an increased inheritance tax liability, especially if the estate is left to family members who do not benefit from certain exemptions, such as the spouse exemption.
A will allows you to specify how your assets will be distributed, potentially reducing the estate’s overall value subject to inheritance tax. By including specific bequests and planning for exemptions, you can ensure that more of your estate goes to your beneficiaries, rather than the taxman.
2. Not Taking Advantage of Inheritance Tax Allowances
Many people fail to maximize the available inheritance tax allowances, which can reduce the taxable value of their estate. The nil-rate band (currently £325,000) is the threshold below which inheritance tax is not charged. In addition, the residence nil-rate band allows a further £175,000 (as of 2025/26) for those leaving a home to direct descendants.
If you do not make full use of these exemptions, your estate may be liable for more tax than necessary. For instance, if your home is left to a non-direct descendant (such as a friend or sibling), the residence nil-rate band will not apply, increasing the inheritance tax due.
3. Failing to Make Gifts During Your Lifetime
Another mistake is not giving gifts during your lifetime. The annual gift allowance allows you to give up to £3,000 per year without it being added to your estate for inheritance tax purposes. Additionally, you can make small gifts of up to £250 to as many people as you like each year without incurring tax.
However, gifts made within seven years of your death can still be subject to inheritance tax, even if you exceed the annual exemption. Planning your giving strategy and making use of exemptions can significantly reduce the size of your taxable estate, but many people neglect this option until it’s too late.
4. Overlooking the Value of Life Insurance
Life insurance can be a valuable tool in managing inheritance tax. Many people mistakenly believe life insurance proceeds are automatically exempt from inheritance tax. However, life insurance policies are usually included as part of the estate for inheritance tax purposes if the policyholder owns the policy outright.
To avoid this, you can take out a policy written in trust, meaning the payout goes directly to the beneficiaries and not to your estate. This can help cover any inheritance tax liabilities, ensuring your heirs aren’t burdened with the tax bill. Failing to plan for this can lead to a large portion of your estate being consumed by inheritance tax rather than being passed on to your loved ones.
5. Not Reviewing Your Estate Regularly
Estate planning is not a one-off task. Many people set their plans in place and forget to review them regularly. Over time, your estate may grow or shrink, your circumstances may change, or tax laws may shift. Failing to keep your plans updated can result in outdated strategies that no longer reflect your current situation.
For instance, the inheritance tax exemptions and allowances are subject to change, and failure to stay updated may mean you miss out on potential savings. Similarly, changes in the value of your assets, such as the rise in property prices, can increase your estate’s overall value, pushing you into a higher tax bracket.
6. Not Seeking Professional Advice
Inheritance tax laws can be complicated, and relying on general advice or trying to navigate them on your own can lead to mistakes. Many people fail to seek professional guidance, assuming they can handle the planning themselves. However, a professional financial advisor or estate planner can help you make the most of tax-saving strategies such as trusts, lifetime gifting, and insurance.
By working with a professional, you can ensure that you’re taking full advantage of all available exemptions, and they can guide you through the complexities of the inheritance tax system, helping you avoid costly mistakes.
Conclusion
Planning for inheritance tax requires careful thought, attention to detail, and regular updates. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that more of your estate is passed on to your loved ones, rather than the tax authorities. Make sure to have a will, use available exemptions, consider gifts during your lifetime, look into life insurance, review your estate regularly, and seek professional advice to build an effective plan for your legacy.