Save Big: 7 Smart Ways to Secure a Better Future for Your Children

Planning for your children’s future requires more than good intentions; it demands strategic financial and legal preparation. By combining financial planning with prudent estate planning, you can secure a brighter, more stable future for your children. 1. Start with a Financial Plan: Laying the Foundations of Intergenerational Wealth A solid financial plan is the cornerstone […]

New Pension and Inheritance Tax Rules: 10 Key Opportunities You Must Consider

Currently, pensions are exempt from inheritance tax (“IHT”) (charged at 40% on amounts exceeding the nil-rate band). However, following the Autumn 2024 budget, from 6 April 2027, HMRC has confirmed that most unused pension funds and death benefits will be included within the value of a person’s estate for IHT purposes. Pension scheme administrators will […]

4 Essential LISA Insights to Strengthen Your Estate and Financial Planning

In the UK, there is quickly becoming a more famous Lisa than the Mona Lisa …the Lifetime ISA (otherwise known as the “LISA”) has emerged as a powerful tool for individuals seeking to secure their financial future and plan for their estate. The LISA was introduced in 2017 and allows individuals aged 18 to 39 […]

Trustees – 5 Essential Points to Understand the Importance of this Role

What is a Trustee? A person (either corporate entity or individual) who has responsibility for managing assets in a trust for the benefit of others. The Trustee must only use the assets in the trust for the benefit of the stated beneficiaries and must act in accordance with the trust documentation (for example, this may […]

I Don’t but I Will – Estate Planning for Unmarried Couples

Unmarried couples face unique challenges for estate planning. Unlike married couples, they don’t automatically benefit from spousal inheritance or tax benefits. Therefore, it’s essential for unmarried couples to proactively ensure their wishes are honoured and assets protected. Wills For unmarried couples, a Will is key for your estate planning because without one, the laws of […]

Taxing Times – Inheritance Tax (IHT)

UK inheritance tax (IHT) is a mandatory charge applied to the value of the deceased person’s estate that exceeds a set threshold. The estate could include, shareholdings, your home, other properties you own, your savings and any personal possessions. For UK-domiciles, IHT is charged on your worldwide assets irrespective of where you are situated. For […]

Tax: Understanding Permanent Establishment

What is Permanent Establishment? Permanent establishment is a key concept used in international tax law to determine the level of business activity that triggers tax in a foreign jurisdiction. The definition varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, but the OECD Model Tax Convention (OECD) provides a standard definition which is widely adopted in double taxation treaties. […]