Stephen Mussard
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Inheritance Tax Planning

Before any Inheritance Tax Planning is undertaken, there are certain fundamental considerations that should be incorporated into your strategy:

Be realistic

This cannot be over-emphasised. Do not think of tax savings as your prime motivation. Inheritance Tax Planning is about passing the proceeds of an estate to chosen heirs or to beneficiaries rather than to Her Majesty's Customs & Revenue. However, this should never be at the expense of maintaining an acceptable lifestyle.

Be flexible

Plans may need to change in future due to:
  • Legislation changes
  • Changes to or the addition of beneficiaries
  • Changes in your circumstances
At all costs, avoid taking irrevocable actions now unless absolutely necessary.

Keep things simple

In view of the complexities involved with Inheritance Tax Planning, if a simple solution can be found, it will usually be the best solution.

There are three practical courses of action to mitigate Inheritance Tax:

  • Ensure your Will is written and planned correctly to save the maximum amount of tax*
  • Transfer assets through the prudent use of lifetime gifts
  • Create a tax-efficient fund to enable the beneficiaries of an estate to meet the tax liability without disturbing the family wealth.


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*The writing of Wills is a separate and distinct service from those offered by St. James's Place. Wills are not regulated by the Financial Services Authority.