Estate and inheritance tax planning

Few of us like to think about dying, but equally few of us could live with the thought that we had not made adequate provision for family and friends that survive us. The legislation that governs passing on your estate to your chosen beneficiaries requires you to plan well in advance. Since none of us know when we shall die, this means making necessary provisions now. 

The earlier you make the arrangements, the greater your chance of taking full advantage of tax opportunities available and thereby maximising the amount that passes to your beneficiaries. Nothing is more demoralising that the thought that a substantial slice of the wealth you have worked hard to accumulate will end up in the Government's coffers! 

It is equally important when planning to transfer your estate that you make adequate provision for yourself and your spouse in your later years. Striking this balance demands considerable skill and foresight, and a detailed knowledge of the tax regime. We provide a discrete estate planning service that includes:

• Help with drawing up and reviewing your Will, making full use of exemptions and lower tax rates on lifetime transfers
• Optimising lifetime transfers between spouses, transferring agricultural or business property
• Transferring assets into trust
• Arranging adequate life assurance to provide for potential inheritance tax liabilities.

Our tax experts work closely with the lawyers drawing up Wills and other documentation to ensure that the paperwork reflects our clients' wishes and minimises their tax liabilities.

Contact: Joe Dunne