Does your estate planning pass the test?

Check if your estate is protected from the tax man.

At Connected Accounting we can help people in the St Albans area with inheritance tax planning and estate planning. Here are some useful pointers...

It is never too early to plan your estate. If it is large, it could be exposed to inheritance tax at 40%, and if it is small, advance planning can help you ensure that your assets will go to your chosen beneficiaries.

Making a Will

Estate planning begins with the following decisions:

Who will inherit your assets?
When should the recipients receive them?
What limitations will be placed on the recipients?

A Will should also stipulate who is to be your minor child(ren)'s guardian. Although making a Will makes your decision legally binding, the Will can be amended any time you change your mind.

Where should you begin?

Start by completing the following survey. Every 'no' answer indicates an area where estate planning issues should be addressed.

Will survey	Yes	No
Have you made a Will?
Has your Will been safely lodged so that others can access it after your death?
Does your Will name a guardian for your children if both you and your partner die while they are still in their minority?
Have you considered how to fund the inheritance tax liability?
If you die suddenly, will your executors be able to locate all your records easily?
Do you have medium-term and long-term financial objectives?
Do you know the present value of your estate?
Are you comfortable with the executor(s) and trustees you have selected?
Have you arranged your affairs to take advantage of the NIL rate band, Residence Nil Rate Band, Reliefs and the inheritance tax exemptions?
Are you sure you have the right type and amount of life assurance?
Have you considered a trust to prevent assurance proceeds from being taxed as part of your estate?
Have you considered making gifts to family members that take advantage of the inheritance tax and capital gains tax exemptions and reliefs?
Are you sure your estate plan is up-to-date and takes into account all your personal wishes and all your potential tax saving strategies?
Have you considered how inheritance tax will affect your business?
Do you know what will happen to your business if you die?
Do you know that business assets can be given away without your having to pay capital gains tax?
Do you know how to give away business assets free of inheritance tax?
Have you considered the use of trusts in estate planning?
Do you know the intentions of relatives with substantial estates?

SEEK OUR ADVICE FOR EVERY 'NO' ANSWER

If you are in the St Albans area and would like advice on inheritance tax planning and estate planning, please contact Connected Accounting today. We will be delighted to assist you.

Latest News Keep up with the latest business news stories

30 Apr 2025

Lack of trust and board expertise putting brakes on AI adoption

A lack of trust and a shortage of expertise at board level are limiting the adoption of AI in UK businesses, according to research from the Institute of Directors (IoD).

29 Apr 2025

Chancellor unveils plans to maintain level playing field for British business

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has said British businesses will be supported in trading freely as she takes action on practices that undercut fair trade, such as the dumping of cheap goods into the UK.

28 Apr 2025

IHT receipts reach record £8.2 billion

Figures published by HMRC have revealed that Inheritance Tax (IHT) receipts reached a record £8.2 billion in the 2024/25 tax year as a result of rising asset values.

25 Apr 2025

Government taking right approach to tariff negotiations

The UK government is taking the right approach to tariff negotiations with the US despite downgrades to the economic outlook, says the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC).

24 Apr 2025

Sole traders and landlords get Making Tax Digital warning

23 Apr 2025

Tax red tape costs small businesses nearly £25 billion a year

Tax compliance costs small businesses nearly £25 billion a year, according to recent research conducted by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).

22 Apr 2025

More parents financing children's house deposits

More parents are financing their children's housing deposits, according to new research.

17 Apr 2025

Business confidence falls to two-year low

Data published by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) has revealed that business confidence has fallen to its lowest level in two years.

Call us