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Inheritance tax 2025 remains a significant concern for many families in the UK. It is a tax on the estate (property, money, and possessions) of someone who has passed away. As property values continue to rise, more estates are being caught in the inheritance tax net. Knowing the rules and exemptions can help families plan...

When Trust Was Broken: False LPA Witnessing Estate planning relies heavily on trust and legal integrity. A recent case of false LPA witnessing shattered that trust when an estate planner falsely claimed to witness signatures on a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA). This misconduct has led to a professional ban, highlighting the grave consequences of...

A Win for Caregivers: PRR Relief Granted on Multiple Properties In a recent case, a caregiver who moved into his parents’ home to care for his ailing father successfully claimed Principal Private Residence Relief (PRR) on not one, but two separate property disposals. The First Tier Tribunal (FTT) sided with the taxpayer, confirming that his...

Understand Your Company’s Financial Health If you’re a company director facing growing bills and unpaid liabilities, now is the time to take control. The first step in effective company debt management is a full, honest assessment of your financial position. Review your profit and loss statement line by line. Are all expenses necessary? Are you...

Understanding Adverse Possession in Estate Contexts Adverse possession is a legal doctrine allowing someone to claim ownership of land under certain conditions if they’ve occupied it without permission. In the estate administration landscape, this concept becomes particularly complex, as seen in the High Court case of Nazir v Begum [2023]. This case clarifies the interaction...

A growing concern is emerging among small business owners, as government tax reforms could inadvertently force 15,000 family-run businesses into closure. A recent warning highlights the potentially devastating impact of proposed pension tax changes, particularly those involving Inheritance Tax (IHT) and the treatment of family business assets. Understanding the Pensions Tax Raid At the heart...

Starting from November 2025, the UK government will officially roll out a compulsory ID verification system for company directors, Persons with Significant Control (PSCs), and those filing on behalf of companies. This step is part of the broader reforms outlined in the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, which aims to enhance corporate transparency and combat fraud....

Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) can be a confusing area, especially when dealing with run-down or damaged properties. A recent Court of Appeal ruling in the case Mudan v HMRC ([2025] EWCA Civ 799) brings important clarity to the residential SDLT rules, especially regarding properties in poor condition at the time of purchase. Background to...

Employment Allowance is a valuable government scheme that allows eligible employers to reduce their annual National Insurance liability by up to £5,000. While this relief can benefit many businesses, there are certain restrictions in place—and one of the most misunderstood is the employment allowance exclusion for single-director companies. In this article, we break down what...

As tax rules become more complex, UK companies are being urged to reassess their loan relationships—a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of their financial planning. HMRC’s ongoing scrutiny in this area makes it even more essential for businesses to assess how loans and financing arrangements are being reported. Why Loan Relationships Matter A loan relationship is broadly defined...

Inheritance tax (IHT) is often viewed as a financial burden; however, in certain situations, it can provide strategic advantages, particularly when a company repurchases its shares. For family-run businesses, this can be a tax-efficient opportunity that turns a challenge into an advantage. Understanding Share Buybacks and Inheritance Tax (IHT) When a shareholder passes away, their...

Why did HMRC issue penalties? A recent decision by the First-tier Tribunal (FTT) has highlighted the importance of fully understanding your self-assessment (SA) tax return obligations. The case involved a taxpayer who misunderstood the requirement to file a return and faced HMRC penalties as a result. Despite the individual’s claim of confusion, the tribunal ruled...

The UK government’s inheritance tax (IHT) receipts are on track to hit a staggering £9 billion by 2027, according to forecasts from the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR). This sharp rise in UK Inheritance Tax (IHT) revenue reflects a combination of frozen thresholds and rising property values — factors that could impact many families who...

The UK government has announced a significant change to how winter fuel payments will be managed going forward. From 2025, these payments will be recovered through the tax system for higher-income pensioners. The goal? To ensure that public support is better targeted toward those who need it most. What Are Winter Fuel Payments? Winter fuel...

A major development in English probate law has emerged as the England and Wales Court of Appeal (EWCA) ruled that a secret trust claim over an estate may proceed to trial. This case is expected to have wide-reaching effects on how verbal agreements and informal understandings around inheritance are treated under UK law. If you’re...

Inheritance tax (IHT) is becoming an increasing concern for many UK families. With the nil-rate band of £325,000 and the residence nil-rate band of £175,000 frozen until 2030, more estates are being caught in the tax net due to rising property values. According to HMRC data, IHT receipts have surged to £8.2 billion from April...

Inheritance Tax (IHT) planning is undergoing significant changes in the UK, making it crucial for individuals to stay informed and proactive. Recent policy shifts and upcoming reforms are set to impact how estates are taxed, emphasizing the importance of strategic planning. Key Changes to Inheritance Tax (IHT): Frozen Thresholds: The IHT nil-rate band remains at...

HMRC is warning landlords against a specific tax avoidance scheme that claims to convert rental income into non-taxable loans. This scheme is under investigation and poses serious financial risks. Promoters suggest landlords can receive their rental income back as a loan without paying tax, but HMRC says this setup does not work and treats it...

The First-tier Tax Tribunal (ftt) has ruled that a rabbi who resided in the UK for most of his life, raised a family, and built up a property business in Manchester was UK-domiciled for tax purposes (Weis v HMRC, 2025 UKFTT 348 TC). He claimed he intended to make Israel his permanent home; however, the FTT found...

Trustees of the Saint George Educational Trust have been removed and replaced with interim managers, after the Charity Commission for England and Wales (the Charity Commission) found the chairman had allowed the charity’s bank account to receive donations from unknown sources, which were then transferred to entities unknown to the trustees. The misconduct was discovered...