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Trusts & Inheritance Tax · England & Wales

Protect more of what you've built for the people you love

With the right planning, you can pass on more of your estate and less to the taxman. We'll help you understand your options — Wills, allowances, gifts and trusts — in plain English.

★★★★★Trusted estate planning across England & Wales · Fixed pricing

Why families choose Oak Stone Wills

Clear, professional estate planning that helps protect your legacy — in line with the law of England & Wales.

Local, trusted experts

A friendly UK team who make estate and tax planning simple to understand.

Clear, fixed fees

No hidden costs or surprises. Fees are explained upfront so you know what to expect.

Home & video visits

Meet at home or by secure video appointment, at a time that suits you.

Personal, tailored advice

We take time to understand your family, your assets and your wishes.

Secure & confidential

Your financial information is handled with care and stored safely and privately.

Specialists on hand

Where complex tax or trust advice is needed, we work with the right professionals.

Could 40% of your estate go to the taxman?

Inheritance Tax is usually charged at 40% on the part of your estate above your available allowances. Many families are caught out simply because their home has grown in value. A little planning now can make a real difference to what your loved ones keep.

£325,000 nil-rate band
The first £325,000 of your estate is generally tax-free (the "nil-rate band").
Up to £175,000 more for your home
An extra "residence nil-rate band" can apply when your home passes to children or grandchildren.
Up to £1m for couples
Married couples and civil partners can combine allowances, potentially passing on up to £1 million tax-free.

Ways we can help you plan ahead

There's no one-size-fits-all answer. We'll look at your whole picture and explain the options that fit your family.

A properly structured Will

Making full use of your available allowances so nothing is wasted.

Lifetime gifting

Using annual gift exemptions and the 7-year rule to pass on wealth during your lifetime.

Trusts

Ring-fencing assets for your family, protecting them and controlling how and when they pass on.

Life policies in trust

Writing a life policy into trust so any payout falls outside your taxable estate.

Charitable giving

Leaving 10% or more to charity can reduce the Inheritance Tax rate on your estate to 36%.

Business & agricultural assets

Certain business or farming assets may qualify for valuable reliefs — we'll help you check.

"The best estate planning isn't about avoiding tax at all costs — it's about making sure more of your legacy reaches the people you love."

Your plan in three simple steps

01

Review your estate

We look at your assets, your family and your wishes, and estimate any potential Inheritance Tax.

02

We build your plan

We explain your options clearly and recommend the right mix of Will, allowances, gifts and trusts.

03

Put it in place

We prepare the documents and set everything up — and we're here to review it as life changes.

Simple, fixed-fee pricing

Start with a clear review of your estate. Know exactly what you'll pay before you go ahead.

Estate planning review

Understand your position & options

From£XXX

Review of your estate & assets
Estimate of potential Inheritance Tax
Clear, plain-English options
A written plan of recommendations

Trust & planning package

Put your plan in place

From£XXX

Everything in the review
Will drafted to use your allowances
Trust arrangement prepared & set up
Guidance on gifting & next steps

Trust and tax planning is tailored to your circumstances, so final fees are confirmed after your review. Complex tax matters may require specialist regulated advice, which we can help arrange.

Families trust Oak Stone Wills

★★★★★

"They showed us how much Inheritance Tax our children could have faced, then a clear plan to reduce it. Invaluable."

Sarah M.

Manchester

★★★★★

"Trusts sounded complicated until Oak Stone explained it all simply. We finally feel our family is protected."

Anne T.

Bristol

★★★★★

"Honest, clear and no pressure. They made sure we used every allowance properly. Highly recommend."

James R.

Leeds

Your questions, answered

What is Inheritance Tax and who pays it?

Inheritance Tax (IHT) is a tax on the estate — the property, money and possessions — of someone who has died. It's usually charged at 40% on the value above your available allowances. Many estates pay no IHT at all because they fall within those allowances, but rising property values mean more families are affected than in the past.

How much can I pass on tax-free?

Everyone has a nil-rate band of £325,000. There's also a residence nil-rate band of up to £175,000 when your home passes to children or grandchildren. Married couples and civil partners can combine their allowances, potentially passing on up to £1 million tax-free. These thresholds are set by the Government and can change in future Budgets.

What is a trust and why use one?

A trust is a legal arrangement where you (the "settlor") place assets under the control of people you appoint (the "trustees") to look after for the people you choose (the "beneficiaries"). Trusts can help protect assets, control how and when they pass on, and form part of estate planning. Trusts have their own tax rules and aren't right for everyone, so they should always be set up with proper advice.

Can I just give my money away to avoid IHT?

Gifting can help, but there are rules. You have annual gift allowances, and larger gifts are usually only fully outside your estate if you survive for seven years (the "7-year rule"). Giving away assets you still benefit from — like your home — can also fall foul of specific anti-avoidance rules. We'll explain what genuinely works for your situation.

Do trusts completely avoid Inheritance Tax?

No — that's a common myth. Trusts don't automatically remove IHT, and many are subject to their own charges. Used correctly and with the right advice, they can be a valuable planning tool, but they should never be seen as a guaranteed way to "escape" tax. Honest, tailored advice matters.

Is this financial or tax advice?

This page is general information, not personal advice. Everyone's circumstances are different, and the right plan depends on your assets, your family and current tax rules. We'll give you clear guidance and, where complex tax or investment advice is needed, work alongside the appropriate regulated specialists.