Inheritance tax covers the transfer of a person’s assets after death or on lifetime gifts, under the Inheritance Tax Act 1984 and related rules. A solicitor in this area helps clients plan for and manage these liabilities, and can act for executors or beneficiaries in relation to probate, lifetime transfers, exemptions, allowances, and the valuation of estates. They also advise on reliefs, such as the nil‑rate band and residence nil‑rate band, and handle HM Revenue & Customs communications and compliance.
Why this work is usually handled by a solicitor
This area involves complex rules on lifetime gifts, the nil‑rate band, residence nil‑rate band, and reliefs. A solicitor’s involvement includes drafting and reviewing wills or lifetime trusts, calculating and structuring potential tax liabilities, assisting executors with probate and estate administration, and handling correspondence and inquiries with HM Revenue & Customs. They ensure client records are accurate, protect client accounts, and maintain regulatory standards in all dealings.