Inheritance Tax

The UK has one of the highest rates of inheritance tax in the world.

Those of us who achieve any degree of success will have paid our fair share of tax during our lifetime, so a tax on our estate when we die can add insult to injury. Originally known as ‘Death Duty’ in 1894, Inheritance Tax is a tax paid on one’s estate when we die but is sometimes payable on trusts, or gifts made during our lifetime.

Inheritance tax is 40 per cent of the value of one’s estate over the threshold (individually £325,000 or up to £650,000 for a married couple 2016-17), or at 36 per cent if the estate qualifies for a reduced rate as a result of a charitable donation. There are a number of exemptions and financial planning methods that can legally reduce or mitigate one’s inheritance tax liability, saving literally thousands or hundreds of thousands of pounds.

What our clients say

My experience has been very good, especially the personal help from Philip Bowden-Pickstock
- Christine Jolly
I was very happy with the service that Dartington provided with respect to our new mortgage and I have already recommended them to a friend
- Dr Michael Gifford
I have always been very satisfied with the advice and service I receive from them
- Jennifer Hoyos
My adviser Chris Galpin is very good at explaining how our investments and pensions work, and he is always available should we need advice
- Annie Roberts
We used the services of the Chris Galpin and I cannot rate his helpfulness, knowledge or patience highly enough. He very efficiently soughted out the best mortgage for us and then got on with the application process with the minimal amount of fuss. Nothing was too much trouble and I will be using him in the future
- Fiona Gilbert
All our dealings to date have been excellent, they have listened to our requirements made suitable suggestions and implemented them in a friendly and professional manner
- Michael Dearman
I have had honest advice and when my husband died they did all the necessary paper work for me very swiftlly and did not charge. A friendly professional firm who quickly understand your needs – no hard sell – your protection paramount
- Patricia Revel
I get a good personal service from an experienced and thoughtful person whom I have known for 30+ years, and trust. That’s very valuable to me even when we don’t entirely agree on priorities! He also advises me on things I need to get around to doing, and I usually follow his advice
- Penny Henderson
I have been with Dartington since before they were Dartington, and the level of service has continued at the same high standard
- Adrian Moxon
They were recommended to me and I have already recommended them to others. They are good at explaining things in a way I understand
- Sheila Thomas
Never had any problems. Friendly consultancies
- Roger Stratford
I trust my adviser
- Jon Daly
The financial adviser I have dealings with has been excellent over the years
- Janet Huskinson