The way to beat inheritance tax (but what's the catch?)
Sep 6, 2024
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Inheritance tax is divisive, seen by some as double taxation. The discussion reveals strategies to minimize liabilities through gifting before death, with focus on the surplus income rule. Listeners learn about the importance of annual gifting limits and surviving the seven-year rule. Other intriguing topics include challenges with noisy heat pumps, the cancellation of the British ISA, and the declining fate of local high streets in the face of online shopping. It’s a mix of financial insights and pressing societal issues!
Inheritance tax is widely disliked despite affecting only a small portion of estates, highlighting the complexities it introduces in estate planning.
Individuals can utilize the surplus income rule to gift substantial amounts without tax repercussions, provided it doesn't affect their lifestyle.
The decline of high streets is driven by online shopping dominance and increasing costs, calling for local councils to support struggling businesses.
Deep dives
Understanding Inheritance Tax Basics
Inheritance tax is often viewed as Britain's most disliked tax, impacting only a small percentage of estates due to current frozen thresholds amidst rising wealth. The nil rate band allows individuals to bequeath up to £325,000 tax-free, and when combined with the residence nil rate band, couples can pass on up to £1 million without incurring the tax. When estates exceed this threshold, they face a 40% tax burden, adding complexity to estate planning. Many people are unaware of the provisions that could help them minimize their inheritance tax liabilities during their lifetime.
Niche Strategies to Avoid Inheritance Tax
A little-known strategy related to inheritance tax is the ability to make gifts from surplus income without incurring tax liabilities, as long as certain conditions are met. This includes the 'normal expenditure out of income' rule, which permits individuals to gift regular amounts, provided it does not impact their lifestyle. For example, individuals can gift up to £3,000 annually and make certain larger gifts for weddings without tax repercussions. This allows many individuals, particularly those with substantial income from pensions or other sources, to give away significant amounts without triggering tax.
Challenges of Inheriting Property
Inheriting a property, such as a bungalow, introduces additional considerations beyond its market value, particularly regarding maintenance, tax liabilities, and market conditions. Owners must be aware of responsibilities including council tax on unoccupied properties and potential capital gains tax upon sale. Furthermore, decisions about whether to sell or hold the property become complicated, especially in fluctuating markets. Consulting with a financial advisor is advisable for navigating these complexities and maximizing potential financial benefits.
The Disappearing High Street
The decline of traditional high streets is becoming increasingly evident, driven by factors like the rise of online shopping and out-of-town retail parks that offer easier access and competitive pricing. As more consumers opt for these alternatives, the high street faces challenges such as dwindling foot traffic and rising business costs, exacerbated by restrictive parking policies and fewer local banking options. Calls for local councils to reassess their approach to high street health and provide better support to local businesses are growing louder. This cultural shift reflects wider changes in shopping behaviors as communities adapt to contemporary retail landscapes.
Hot Debate Over Heat Pump Noise
Concerns about the noise generated by heat pumps have sparked discussions among homeowners considering this technology as an alternative to traditional heating methods. While heat pumps are often designed to be efficient, their noise levels, typically comparable to a conversation, can become intrusive in residential settings, especially when placed near outdoor living areas. Homeowners are encouraged to consider strategic placement to minimize disturbance, as many heat pumps may operate continuously in order to provide necessary heating and hot water. Overall, potential users should weigh the advantages and disadvantages of heat pumps, considering both economic and acoustic factors in their decision making.
Inheritance tax- punches above it s weight. It is paid by only a small minority of estates, yet manages to be Britain's most hated tax and its most controversial.
Some believe it's immoral double taxation and should be axed altogether, others say crank it up - and somewhere in the middle there are many people who feel that taking 40 per cent is just too much.
But it's also a tax that even those with an expensive home and plenty of savings can generally avoid if they choose, by spending more and giving more away in their lifetime.
The problem is that they need to survive seven years or they may get caught by some very outdated gifting allowances.
Yet, there is a little-known loophole that allows people to give away considerably more without worrying about the seven-year rule.
On this podcast, Georgie Frost, Lee Boyce, Simon Lambert look at inheritance tax and the surplus income rule.
They discuss this trick to beat death duties and the catches it comes with and all the other rules surrounding IHT.
Also on this week's show: noisy heat pumps, the British Isa meets its maker and our failure to support the high streets that we moan about dying.
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