Free Consultation

Does your estate planning pass the test?

At Branston Adams we can help people in the Surrey area with inheritance tax planning and estate planning. Here are some useful pointers...

It is never too early to plan your estate. If it is large, it could be exposed to inheritance tax at 40%, and if it is small, advance planning can help you ensure that your assets will go to your chosen beneficiaries.

Making a Will

Estate planning begins with the following decisions:

Who will inherit your assets?
When should the recipients receive them?
What limitations will be placed on the recipients?

A Will should also stipulate who is to be your minor child(ren)'s guardian. Although making a Will makes your decision legally binding, the Will can be amended any time you change your mind.

Where should you begin?

Start by completing the following survey. Every 'no' answer indicates an area where estate planning issues should be addressed.

Will survey	Yes	No
Have you made a Will?
Has your Will been safely lodged so that others can access it after your death?
Does your Will name a guardian for your children if both you and your partner die while they are still in their minority?
Have you considered how to fund the inheritance tax liability?
If you die suddenly, will your executors be able to locate all your records easily?
Do you have medium-term and long-term financial objectives?
Do you know the present value of your estate?
Are you comfortable with the executor(s) and trustees you have selected?
Have you arranged your affairs to take advantage of the NIL rate band and the inheritance tax exemptions?
Are you sure you have the right type and amount of life assurance?
Have you considered a trust to prevent assurance proceeds from being taxed as part of your estate?
Have you considered making gifts to family members that take advantage of the inheritance tax and capital gains tax exemptions and reliefs?
Are you sure your estate plan is up-to-date and takes into account all your personal wishes and all your potential tax saving strategies?
Have you considered how inheritance tax will affect your business?
Do you know what will happen to your business if you die?
Do you know that business assets can be given away without your having to pay capital gains tax?
Do you know how to give away business assets free of inheritance tax?
Have you considered the use of trusts in estate planning?
Do you know the intentions of relatives with substantial estates?

SEEK OUR ADVICE FOR EVERY 'NO' ANSWER

If you are in the Surrey area and would like advice on inheritance tax planning and estate planning, please contact Branston Adams today. We will be delighted to assist you.

The latest news

21 Sep 2020

UK businesses voluntarily return £215 million in furlough funds

HMRC data has revealed that UK businesses have voluntarily returned more than £215 million in overclaimed Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) payments.

18 Sep 2020

MPs urge Chancellor to extend job retention scheme

MPs have urged Chancellor Rishi Sunak to extend the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) to help avoid mass redundancies.

17 Sep 2020

FCA confirms support for mortgage borrowers

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has confirmed future support for mortgage borrowers if they continue to face payment difficulties due to the coronavirus (COVID-19).

Accessibility links