Clear Thinking on Inheritance Tax (IHT) & Estate Planning
Clear, tailored advice to support every stage of your financial journey
Protect what you have built. Pass on what matters most.
You have worked hard to build your wealth — whether that is your home, your savings, your investments, or your pension.
Naturally, you want as much of that as possible to go to the people you care about.
That is where estate planning comes in.
The experienced advisors throughout the TaxAssist Plus Financial Planning hubs below are here to help you put clear, thoughtful plans in place so your wealth is protected, your wishes are honoured and your family is supported.
More families across the UK are being affected by Inheritance Tax than ever before.
Rising house prices and increasing asset values mean that many people now have more to pass on — but also more at risk of being taxed.
Without planning, your estate could face Inheritance Tax at 40% on anything above the relevant thresholds.
With the right guidance, much of this tax can be reduced — or even avoided altogether.
Good estate planning is not just about one asset — it is about understanding everything you’ve built and how it fits together.
We will help you review:
- Property and your home
- Cash savings
- Investments and ISAs
- Pensions and retirement funds
- Business assets (if applicable)
From there, we create a clear plan that brings everything together — so nothing is overlooked.
There are a number of ways to protect your estate and ensure your wishes are carried out properly.
We will guide you through:
- Wills – making sure your assets are distributed exactly as you intend
- Lasting Powers of Attorney – ensuring trusted people can act on your behalf if needed
- Trusts – helping protect wealth and pass it on efficiently in certain circumstances
Everything is explained clearly and tailored to your situation — no unnecessary complexity, just what is right for you and your family.
Every family is different — and your plan should reflect that.
We take the time to understand:
- Your family structure
- Who you want to benefit
- When and how you want wealth to be passed on
Whether it is supporting children, helping grandchildren, or protecting vulnerable family members, we make sure your wishes are built into the plan.
Inheritance Tax is one of the most significant — and often avoidable — taxes on your estate.
We will help you explore strategies to:
- Make use of allowances and exemptions
- Structure your assets more efficiently
- Plan gifts in a tax-aware way
- Align your estate with your long-term financial plan
The goal is simple: keep more of your wealth in your family.
Estate planning is not something you do once and forget about.
It should evolve alongside your life — and we’ll help you review it regularly as things change.
Key moments might include:
- Getting married or divorced
- Having children or grandchildren
- Buying or selling property
- Stopping work or retiring
- Changes in health or circumstances
With each step, we will make sure your plan stays up to date and continues to reflect your wishes.
As you move into later life, your priorities naturally begin to shift — from building wealth to protecting it, enjoying it, and ensuring everything is in place for the years ahead.
We’re here to help you plan with clarity and confidence.
This includes:
- Making sure your income continues to support your lifestyle
- Structuring your assets so they remain accessible and protected
- Ensuring the right people are able to make decisions on your behalf if needed
- Keeping your estate plan aligned with your wishes as circumstances change
Good planning at this stage is not just about finances — it’s about peace of mind for you and your family.
One of the biggest unknowns in later life can be the potential cost of care.
Whether it is support at home or residential care, the costs can be significant — and without planning, they can quickly erode your estate.
We will help you:
- Understand how care fees are assessed in the UK
- Explore how your assets may be taken into account
- Consider strategies to help protect your wealth where appropriate
- Balance providing for your own care with leaving a legacy for your family
Most importantly, we help you plan ahead — so you are not making difficult decisions under pressure later on.
Thinking about estate planning can feel daunting — but with the right support, it becomes a positive step towards protecting your family’s future.
The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate taxation and trust advice
A relaxed, no-obligation chat about how IHT tax planning can help you achieve your goals. Book a free initial consultation.
Make an enquiryFinancial planning for real life – the 5 ages of financial planning
Advice that adapts as your priorities, responsibilities and ambitions change.
Positioning (18-35)
Where you are today
This stage is about putting yourself in the strongest possible position for the future. We take time to understand your life as it is now, your career, your income, your ambitions and the lifestyle you want to build.
Whether you are starting your career, progressing professionally, buying your first home or simply getting to grips with managing your money, we create a clear starting point. From budgeting and saving to early investing and pension foundations, everything is designed to give you confidence, control and direction from day one.
Protecting (35-50)
Putting the right safeguards in place
As life becomes more established, responsibilities tend to grow, whether that’s family, property, or financial commitments. This stage is about protecting what you have worked hard to build and the people who depend on you.
We ensure your income, your lifestyle and your long-term plans are properly safeguarded through the right mix of protection, insurance and financial structure. From mortgages and raising children to managing day-to-day costs and future commitments, this is about creating resilience and peace of mind, so that whatever life brings, your plans stay on track.
Planning (50-60)
Turning goals into a clear path
With retirement moving into sharper focus, this stage is about turning intention into a clear and achievable plan. We work with you to define what you want the next phase of life to look like and how to get there.
This may include reviewing and ensuring that your pension provision is aligned with your goals, maximising available tax allowances and benefits, potentially increasing contributions, consolidating assets, or planning around key milestones such as children becoming financially independent or major lifestyle changes. Every decision, from tax planning to investment strategy, is aligned to ensure you have clarity, confidence and a realistic roadmap towards retirement.
Prioritising (60-75)
Keeping your wealth working for you
This is where your planning becomes reality. As you move from building wealth to drawing on it, the focus shifts to making sure everything continues to work efficiently and sustainably.
We help you manage the transition from earning to income generation, ensuring your pensions, investments and other assets support the lifestyle you’ve planned for. This might include structuring retirement income, balancing spending with longevity, and navigating changing priorities such as travel, family support or health considerations. With regular reviews and ongoing guidance, we keep your plan aligned as your needs evolve.
Passing On (75+)
Shaping your legacy
Later life is about ensuring everything is organised, intentional and aligned with your wishes. This stage focuses on making sure your wealth is passed on smoothly, efficiently and in the way you want.
We support you with estate planning, inheritance considerations and structuring your affairs so that your legacy benefits the people and causes that matter most to you. Whether that’s supporting family, gifting during your lifetime, or planning for future generations, we help you put clear plans in place, giving you reassurance that everything will be handled as intended.
In your 30s, it’s about protection and getting started. In your 40s and 50s, it’s growth, building security and planning ahead. In your 60s and beyond, it’s about transition, legacy and peace of mind.
Your advisor will be here through it all, offering straightforward advice that meets you where you are and supports where you’re going.