Pay Less Tax – Autumn 2026 Edition
Pay Less Tax Autumn 2026 Edition Discover the latest updates and pick up practical tips that could help your business to grow. To discuss how these changes could affect you,…
Business Relief
Safeguard your business assets and secure
Let’s analyse your company to maximise Business Relief, reducing inheritance tax (IHT) liabilities when assets are passed on during your lifetime or on death.
Through a detailed assessment of your business structure and assets, we uncover opportunities to claim relief on qualifying shares, property, and other trade-related assets.
We then ensure that your business activities and asset holdings meet the necessary criteria for Business Relief, optimising your eligibility and maximising the potential relief for future transfers.
Plan early to preserve your business wealth
Long Term
Typically, Business Relief should be reviewed every couple of years to ensure that the business assets still qualify for the relief. Better to be safe than sorry, and also the addition of any potentially qualifying assets may be reviewed at the same time.
Planned
The best time to ask for a review is during estate planning for business succession or if you have significant business assets that you wish to transfer to heirs or family members.
What is included in this service
Initial Assessment
We review your business’s activities, structure, and assets to determine if they qualify for Business Relief.
Qualifying Asset Identification
Identification of qualifying assets and strategies to improve your eligibility for relief.
Tax Planning Report
A comprehensive report outlining your eligibility for Business Relief and recommended actions to safeguard your assets from IHT.
Ongoing Monitoring
Regular reviews to ensure your assets continue to meet the qualifying conditions for Business Relief.
Ensure a Tax-Efficient Future
for Your Business and Heirs
Reduced Inheritance Tax (IHT) Liability
By maximising Business Relief, you significantly lower the IHT burden on qualifying assets, ensuring more of your wealth is passed on.
Clarity and Control
A clear review of your business assets gives you greater control over future transfers, empowering you to make informed decisions about your estate planning.
Peace of Mind
Proper planning ensures a smooth business transition with minimal tax impact, allowing your heirs to focus on continuing the legacy.
Reassurance for the Future
Enjoy the comfort of knowing your hard work will continue to support your family, preserving your life’s achievements without the heavy burden of tax.
FAQs
What is Business Relief, and how does it help with Inheritance Tax?
Business Relief (BR) allows certain business assets to be passed on either entirely free of Inheritance Tax (IHT) or at a reduced rate. It can offer 100% or 50% relief, depending on the nature of the business or asset. This relief helps reduce or eliminate the IHT liability on qualifying business assets when they are transferred upon death or as part of a lifetime gift.
What types of businesses or assets qualify for Business Relief?
Generally, Business Relief applies to shares in unlisted trading companies, partnerships, and some sole trader businesses. It also covers certain assets used in a business, such as machinery, buildings, or land. However, businesses primarily involved in investment activities, such as property letting or dealing in securities, typically don’t qualify for relief. A review of your business structure is essential to ensure eligibility.
How much Business Relief can I claim?
You can claim 100% Business Relief on qualifying assets such as shares in unlisted trading companies or an interest in a partnership. For assets like land, buildings, or machinery that are used in a qualifying business but owned personally, 50% relief may apply. The exact relief depends on the type of asset and how it is used in the business. From April 2026, the value of assets qualifying for 100% Business Relief will be capped at a
lifetime value of £1,000,000. The value of qualifying assets in excess of £1,000,000 will still qualify for Business Relief,
but at a reduced rate of 50%.
How long must I hold a business or asset to qualify for Business Relief?
To qualify for Business Relief, the business or asset must generally have been owned for at least two years before your death or the date of a lifetime transfer. This two-year ownership rule ensures that the relief applies only to established businesses or long-term assets, preventing last-minute restructuring simply to avoid IHT.
Can I pass on shares in a family business without paying Inheritance Tax?
Yes, if the shares qualify for Business Relief, they can be passed on to family members free from Inheritance Tax, provided the business is a trading company and not involved primarily in investment activities. The shares must also meet the two-year ownership rule to qualify for relief. Proper planning is crucial to ensure that all conditions for Business Relief are met, allowing family businesses to be transferred without a significant IHT burden.
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