Does your estate planning pass the test?

Check if your estate is protected from the tax man.

At Aequitas we can help people in the Pinner 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, Residence Nil Rate Band, Reliefs 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 Pinner area and would like advice on inheritance tax planning and estate planning, please contact Aequitas today. We will be delighted to assist you.

Latest News

01 May 2026

Bank of England faces dilemma after holding interest rates

The Bank of England has held the base rate of interest rate at 3.75%, but now faces a dilemma, according to the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC).

30 Apr 2026

UK economic security at risk, says business group

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has warned the government that the UK's economic security is at risk, and has urged it to prioritise security after ten years of geopolitical shocks.

29 Apr 2026

Business rates system 'major brake on investment and growth'

The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has warned that the UK's business rates system poses a 'major barrier' to UK growth and competitiveness.

28 Apr 2026

Higher fuel, energy and food prices could linger following Iran war

Government ministers have warned that higher prices for fuel, food, energy and flights could linger following the end of the US-Israel war with Iran.

27 Apr 2026

UK borrowing tumbles to lowest level in four years

Figures published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) have revealed that UK borrowing has fallen to its lowest level in four years.

24 Apr 2026

Sentiment among UK manufacturers has 'deteriorated sharply'

Sentiment amongst manufacturers in the UK has 'deteriorated sharply', according to research carried out by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI).

23 Apr 2026

Inflation rate rises to 3.3%

The UK rate of inflation rose to 3.3% in the year to March, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

22 Apr 2026

Pensioners urged to be alert to Winter Fuel Payment scams

HMRC is warning pensioners to be on high alert for scams as the recovery of Winter Fuel Payments begins this month.

Get in touch

If you feel our services and expertise could support your business or for individuals, please call us today to book a FREE consultation.

Aequitas Accountants Ltd, Elthorne Gate, 64 High Street, Pinner, Middlesex HA5 5QA

Call now Contact us

Accessibility links