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How do I reduce my estate for IHT purposes?
The Chancellor takes up to 40% of our income by way of income tax, taxes any capital gains we make, again up to 40% and charges us National Insurance on our income as well.

On top of all this she/he still requires that when we die our estate should account for any Inheritance Tax due.

Planning for death may seem morbid, although when one considers the tax which is potentially payable, it adds up.

During your lifetime your lifetime you may give certain assets away and you have certain allowances which you can make without attracting IHT. However, these gifts and allowances may not reduce your estate that much. A good financial plan will help to mitigate IHT and for best results the exercise must be undertaken early on. Do not leave it until you are 90!

IHT can be a complex issue and good advice is essential once every aspect of your wishes and objectives have been considered. As gifts made cannot usually be recovered in a tax efficient manner, it is essential that you hold in depth discussions with a financial planner.

It is not advisable to be tempted by offers of products which mitigate IHT unless you hold in depth talks, sometimes with members of your family present.

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