Estate Planning
Protecting your wealth and securing your legacy
Structuring your assets and financial affairs to maximise the value of your estate
Estate planning is about structuring your assets and financial affairs to maximise the value of your estate, minimise tax liabilities, particularly Inheritance Tax (IHT) and ensure a smooth transfer of wealth to future generations.
We work closely with our clients to provide expert estate planning advice and guidance in a range of scenarios and for different types of clients. Whether you’re a business owner looking to protect commercial interests, a high-net-worth (HNW) individual with complex asset portfolios, or a family seeking to preserve generational wealth, we provide a service that will meet your specific circumstances and needs.
Who will benefit from this service?
High-net-worth individuals and families.
Business owners and company directors.
Property investors and landlords.
Clients approaching retirement.
Anyone concerned with Inheritance tax or succession planning.
How we deliver this service
Our team take a structured and thorough approach to estate planning, combining tax efficiency with long-term security:
Asset review and valuation
Inheritance Tax (IHT) planning
Use of trusts and business reliefs
Gifting strategies
Cash flow forecasting
Collaboration with legal professionals
The benefits to your business of using our estate planning services
Effective estate planning can significantly reduce Inheritance Tax liabilities, helping you keep more of your estate within the family through legitimate and efficient tax strategies. By using the right allowances, reliefs, and structures, you can ensure your wealth is preserved for future generations rather than lost to unnecessary tax bills.
It also allows you to maximise the value of your legacy by passing on assets efficiently and in line with your wishes. With a clear, well-structured plan, you gain certainty over how your wealth will be distributed, whether through lifetime gifts or a carefully designed succession strategy.
A forward-looking estate plan is adaptable, meaning it can respond to changes in tax laws or evolving family circumstances. This futureproofing ensures your arrangements remain effective and relevant over time. For business owners, estate planning can also play a vital role in ensuring continuity, protecting the business and enabling it to be passed on or sold in a tax-efficient way that supports long-term stability.
Our advisers
Meet some of our team of chartered accountants and business advisers.
Alistair Hayward-Wright
Chloe Blackwell
Rob Carroll
Need help with your estate planning? Our specialists provide expert guidance – get in touch today!
Call us:
0333 006 8809
Email us:
enquiries@haywardwright.co.uk
Find us:
see office locations
FAQs
How much Inheritance Tax will my estate pay?
Inheritance Tax is typically charged at 40% on estates above £325,000 (or £500,000 if passing to direct descendants and property is involved). Effective planning can significantly reduce this liability.
What can I do to reduce my Inheritance Tax liability?
You can use exemptions (such as annual gifting), trusts, Business Property Relief, and strategic lifetime planning to reduce or even eliminate IHT.
Can I give away assets now to avoid tax later?
Yes. Gifts made more than seven years before death may fall outside your estate for IHT purposes. However, you should consider the impact on your own finances and any potential Capital Gains Tax (CGT) implications.
How does owning a business affect my estate?
Certain business assets can qualify for up to 100% relief from IHT under Business Property Relief, but conditions must be met. Proper planning is essential to secure this relief.
Should I be concerned about Capital Gains Tax when passing on assets?
Yes. While CGT is not usually charged on death, it can be a key consideration for lifetime gifts, especially of property, shares, or business assets. Strategic planning can help manage or defer CGT liabilities when gifting or transferring ownership during your lifetime.
When is the right time to start estate planning?
Ideally, you should start as early as possible, particularly if you have significant assets, a business, or a growing family. Early planning offers greater flexibility and maximises the use of available reliefs and exemptions.