Inheritance Tax - Legend Fusions UK

Inheritance Tax Specialist UK

Inheritance tax position becomes fixed once the estate is reported to HMRC. At that point, structure, relief, and past gifts decide what remains taxable. We review the estate before submission, confirm what will stand under HMRC review, and adjust structure whilst changes are still possible.

Legend Fusions is the UK advisory brand evolved from Legend Financial & Tax Advisers, unifying tax, compliance, and advisory services under one international group.

Advising property owners, business shareholders, and complex estates in London, Bolton, Milton Keynes and throughout the UK.

Estates Requiring Pre-Reporting Review

Property, business interests, and trusts require review before inheritance tax reporting begins. Once reporting starts, structure limits what can change.

Relief claims, gifting history, and ownership positions must withstand HMRC scrutiny.

Nil Rate Band and Residence Nil Rate Band eligibility confirmed
7-year gifting exposure tested under retained benefit rules
Business and Agricultural Relief qualification assessed
Trust control and beneficial entitlement reviewed
Cross-entity ownership and valuation risk assessed
Personal and estate tax positions aligned

years experience

13+ years advising on estates where structure fixes tax exposure. 13+ years advising on capital allowances across commercial property, capital investment, and HMRC review, led by a dedicated property and asset tax specialist.

When does inheritance tax exposure arise?

Exposure arises when estate value exceeds available thresholds and relief does not fully protect the excess. Relief depends on structure, not intention.

Exposure arises where:

The estate exceeds the £325,000 Nil Rate Band
The Residence Nil Rate Band tapers once the estate exceeds £2 million
Gifts fall within seven years of death
Assets were transferred but benefit was retained
A business does not meet trading tests for relief
Agricultural property fails ownership or occupation rules
Cross-border ownership changes UK tax exposure

After death or once reporting begins, structural options narrow and positions fix.

Pre-Reporting Inheritance Tax Review

We assess the estate as it stands. We confirm which exposures can still be adjusted before reporting fixes the position.

Full estate exposure modelling
Nil Rate Band and gifting interaction review
Business and Agricultural Relief eligibility testing
Trust and ownership structure tested
Property valuation and control review
Positions structured for HMRC reporting
Probate and executor coordination

We document positions to withstand HMRC review.

How our inheritance tax planning works

Our process addresses estates where timing and structure determine outcomes.

Estate Information Review

You provide ownership records, valuations, and gifting history details.

Exposure Assessment and Adjustment

We assess structures and adjust positions within HMRC reporting rules.

Reporting and Ongoing Review

We document positions and confirm alignment before formal reporting.

Client Feedback

“The capital allowances review was thorough and clearly explained. Qualifying expenditure was identified accurately, and the claim was prepared in line with HMRC requirements.”

Commercial Property Owner, UK

“The process was handled professionally from start to finish. The figures were clear, the documentation was well prepared, and HMRC queries were managed without disruption.”

Finance Director, UK

“Clear advice, no overstatements, and strong technical knowledge. The allowances were integrated correctly into our tax computations, giving us confidence in the final submission.”

Company Director, UK

Related Tax & Advisory Services

Related tax services

Inheritance tax decisions affect other areas of your tax position. We advise across connected exposures.

Capital Gains Tax

Tax planning when selling property or assets

HMRC Tax Investigations

Representation if HMRC opens an enquiry

Tax for Company Directors

Coordinating personal and company tax

Personal Tax Planning

Ongoing tax planning to reduce future exposure

Cross-Border Taxation

Planning for overseas income or assets

You can explore each service in more detail on its dedicated page.

Common inheritance tax situations we handle

Areas we serve

We provide UK-wide inheritance tax planning remotely, with in-person consultations available in London.

View All Areas

Related inheritance tax guides

Inheritance tax thresholds explained

The 7-year rule and gifting guide

Trusts and inheritance tax planning

Frequently asked questions

At what point does inheritance tax start?

HMRC charges 40% on the taxable portion of the estate after allowances and reliefs.

How much can be left before tax applies?

Up to £325,000 can pass tax-free, with additional allowances depending on how assets are left.

Does leaving a home for children change the position?

A main residence left to direct descendants can increase allowances, subject to overall estate value.

Are gifts outside the estate after seven years?

Gifts fall outside the estate after seven years, provided no benefit is retained, and proper records exist.

What happens if large gifts were made before death?

Gifts within seven years remain part of the estate and are assessed during inheritance tax reporting.

Can trusts reduce inheritance tax?

Trusts can change how assets are taxed, but structure, timing, and control determine the outcome.

Why does property often trigger inheritance tax?

Property growth can push estates above available allowances, even where cash remains limited.

Do family businesses qualify for relief?

Business Relief applies where the company mainly runs an active trading business rather than investments.

Can farmland qualify for special treatment?

Agricultural Relief applies to qualifying farmland where ownership and farming use requirements are met.

How is an estate valued for inheritance tax?

Assets must reflect open market value at death and withstand HMRC review.

Is inheritance tax paid before probating is granted?

Part of the inheritance tax must be paid before probate is granted.

Are transfers between spouses taxed?

Transfers between spouses are tax-free, and unused allowances can transfer to the surviving spouse.

Confirm Your Estate Position Before Reporting

If exposure exists, timing determines which options remain. We assess structure, confirm relief eligibility and align reporting positions before submission.