Inheritance Tax Planning –
London Private Client Lawyers
Strategic Inheritance Tax Advice for London Families and Estates
At Staple Inn Notaries, we advise individuals, families, and business owners on Inheritance Tax (IHT) planning in London, helping clients protect family wealth, reduce tax exposure, and plan confidently for the future.
​
From our Central London offices, we act for London-based and international clients with high-value estates, complex asset structures, and cross-border considerations.
What Is Inheritance Tax?
Inheritance Tax is charged at up to 40% on estates exceeding the available nil-rate bands. For many London estates—particularly those with significant property holdings—Inheritance Tax exposure can be substantial without proper planning.
Effective IHT planning allows assets to be passed to the next generation efficiently, lawfully, and with certainty.
Inheritance Tax Planning for London High-Net-Worth Families
We advise London-based HNW and UHNW clients whose estates may include:
​
-
London and UK residential property
-
Investment portfolios and private wealth
-
Family businesses and shareholdings
-
International assets
-
Trust structures
​
Our advice is bespoke and strategic, designed to reflect both your personal circumstances and long-term family objectives.
Core Inheritance Tax Planning Strategies
We advise on a wide range of lawful IHT mitigation strategies, including:
Use of Nil-Rate Bands
-
Nil-rate band and residence nil-rate band planning
-
Spousal exemptions and transferable allowances
Lifetime Gifting
-
Potentially exempt transfers (PETs)
-
Chargeable lifetime transfers
-
Use of annual and small gift exemptions
Trust Planning
-
Trusts created during lifetime
-
Trusts incorporated into Wills
-
Managing periodic and exit charges
Business and Asset Reliefs
-
Business Property Relief (BPR)
-
Agricultural Property Relief (APR)
-
Structuring qualifying business assets
​
All planning is undertaken with full regard to HMRC rules and long-term sustainability.
Inheritance Tax Planning and Wills
Inheritance Tax planning is most effective when integrated with a professionally drafted Will.
​
-
We ensure that Wills are structured to:
-
Maximise available IHT reliefs
-
Incorporate appropriate trust provisions
-
Provide flexibility for future tax changes
-
Protect beneficiaries and family wealth
​
As a STEP-qualified Private Client lawyer, Sheikh Najam provides joined-up advice covering Wills, trusts, and tax.
Inheritance Tax and Trusts
Trusts remain a key tool in managing IHT exposure, particularly for London estates with rising property values.
We advise on:
​
-
Appropriate trust structures for IHT planning
-
Ongoing tax treatment of trusts
-
Trustee obligations and reporting
-
Long-term succession planning
​
Our advice ensures trusts are used effectively, compliantly, and strategically.
Cross-Border Inheritance Tax Planning
We also advise London-based clients with international connections, including:
​
-
Overseas property and investments
-
Non-UK domiciled individuals
-
International beneficiaries
-
Coordination with foreign tax advisers
​
Our cross-border approach helps mitigate double taxation and ensures estates are structured efficiently across jurisdictions.
Why Choose Staple Inn Notaries for IHT Planning in London?
-
Central London private client specialists
-
STEP-qualified Inheritance Tax adviser
-
Expertise in complex and high-value estates
-
Integrated Wills, trusts, and probate advice
-
Experience advising international families
-
Discreet, bespoke service for private clients
Trust Administration
London trust lawyers advise on discretionary, life interest and Will trusts, safeguarding family wealth, managing succession and mitigating inheritance tax. We structure and administer compliant, tax-efficient trusts for UK and international families with complex, high-value estates.
Speak to a London Inheritance Tax Planning Specialist
If you are concerned about your family’s exposure to Inheritance Tax, early advice can make a significant difference.