11/06/2026
As of April this year, Agricultural Property Relief (APR) is now capped at £1million, and farmers will face an IHT charge of 20% on any farmland or related buildings above that cap.
If you’re wondering how this affects you, then it probably doesn’t…
BUT the IHT rule that will catch you out is coming in April 2027, so you’ve still time to prepare for what’s to come!
As of April 2027, pensions will be included in your estate AND subject to IHT.
This is a real gut-punch to the thousands of families who have been diligently investing in their pensions with the goal of removing money from their taxable estate. Dismantling years and even decades of good financial planning.
Here’s what you need to know:
- The Nil Rate Band (IHT threshold) is currently £325,000 per person.
- There’s also an additional £175,000 MRNRB (Main Residence Nil Rate Band) per person on your property, meaning a couple could have a total IHT allowance of up to £1million.
- In 2027, pensions will be included in your taxable estate and count towards your IHT allowance.
- The UK Government expects this to bring an additional c.10,500 estates above the threshold, and increase the existing IHT liability for c.38,500 estates.
- The IHT threshold is frozen until 2030, so with inflation, rising house values, and now pensions in the mix, more families every year are at risk of paying the 40% tax out of pocket!
What you can do about it:
- Check in with your parents – this rule will affect them a lot more (and sooner) than it’ll affect you. Make sure they’re aware of the new rules and find out how much their estate is worth.
- If it’s over £500,000 for either parent – INCLUDING THEIR PENSIONS – then encourage them to speak to a financial adviser you trust.
- You need to start seriously considering what your parents might be leaving you. What could have been a lovely inheritance could very quickly turn into a massive IHT bill you weren’t prepared for.
- Finally, start thinking about your own estate planning. It might be a long way off, but the earlier you start to plan, the easier it’ll be.
If you want to learn more about your estate planning and how to protect your family from unexpected IHT bills, drop me a message or use the link below to book a no-obligation discovery call:
https://www.pfp-limited.co.uk/contact
With pensions, as with all investments, your capital is at risk and the value of your pension may go up or down. You may get back less than you put in. Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances and may be subject to change. This post is for information only and does not constitute financial advice.
HM Revenue and Customs practice and the law relating to taxation are complex and subject to individual circumstances and changes which cannot be foreseen. The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate Estate planning and tax planning.
Prydderch Financial Planning Limited is an appointed representative of 2plan wealth management Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and is entered on the FCA register under reference 610434.
Meet us, call us, email us or make an enquiry with Prydderch Financial Planning in Bramhall, Stockport, Cheshire.