In our latest episode, we explore the increasingly relevant topic of passing on property – whether it’s your main home, a share of it, or a second property – and the tax implications that come with it. Our hosts Leonora Stevens and Mike Hodges discuss: - Why more families are considering property gifts - How rising house prices affect IHT exposure - Key thresholds like the nil-rate and residence nil-rate bands - The challenge of funding IHT when wealth is tied up in bricks and mortar 🎧 Lis...
Thinking of retiring abroad? The latest changes to the UK’s non-dom rules might be surprisingly good news for your financial planning. In this eye-opening discussion, our expert panel breaks down how the shift from domicile to residence-based taxation creates new opportunities for those considering an international retirement. Tax partner Alex Britton-Davis joins hosts Leonora Stevens and Mike Hodges to explain the revolutionary change in how inheritance tax will apply to British nationals re...
The world of trusts often feels complex, but at its core it's about safeguarding assets for others. Whether you're considering setting up a trust, have been asked to serve as a trustee, or are evaluating your current arrangements, this discussion offers guidance on finding the right trustee for your specific needs. Hosts, Leonora Stevens and Mike Hodges, are joined by Philip Radford from our Guernsey and Dubai office, and together they unpack the responsibilities of a trustee, the traits th...
A seismic shift is looming for pensions - from April 2027, pensions will fall into a person’s chargeable estate for inheritance tax (IHT) purposes. This means any pension pots could be subject to 40% IHT. For many years pensions were a useful way to reduce IHT liabilities, and while the legislation is pending, the changes from 2027 will mean that pensions will be treated like any other asset – potentially subject to 40% tax. What planning options remain? The discipline of having funds loc...
Employee Ownership Trusts (EOTs) offer business owners a compelling exit strategy where they can transfer controlling interest in their company without paying any capital gains tax (CGT). Join Leonora Stevens and Mike Hodges as they discuss this increasingly popular exit route, that is beneficial for both owners and employees. If you're considering an EOT, always seek professional advice tailored to your specific circumstances to navigate the complexities while maximising the benefits. For mo...
The inheritance tax landscape for family businesses and agricultural landowners is undergoing its most significant transformation in decades. Following the Autumn Budget 2024 announcements regarding changes to Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR), the government has released a consultation document addressing the application of these changes to property settled into trusts. In our latest podcast episode, Leonora Stevens and Mike Hodges discuss: The key c...
Have you recently acquired a significant amount of money? Sudden wealth can be quite overwhelming. So how can you protect and manage your assets efficiently? Join Leonora Stevens and Mike Hodges as they talk with legal expert Claire Harris, a Partner at Withers, and James Peterson, Managing Director at Rothschild & Co about the essential first steps and long-term strategies for managing a windfall. From will planning, family communication, global mobility and philanthropy, they discuss th...
With major changes on the horizon for non-domiciled individuals, understanding the new tax landscape is essential. This episode dives deep into the upcoming tax reforms, exploring how these changes (effective from April 2025), will reshape the tax landscape for non-doms. Hosts Leonora Stevens and Mike Hodges are joined by Alex Britton-Davis, partner at Saffery and a leading expert in UK residency and domicile, who breaks down the move away from the familiar remittance basis to the intri...
Family-owned businesses face unique complexities, such as issues related to business structure, family dynamics, and shared ownership. Following Rachel Reeves’ Budget, these businesses now face additional challenges in navigating the changes to inheritance tax (IHT) and Business Property Relief (BPR). In this episode, Leonora and Mike analyse the specific implications of the Budget changes for family-owned businesses. They also discuss the challenges faced by finance directors in managing ca...
With the festive season of goodwill upon us, gift-giving may be higher on the agenda. But do you know how much tax you might owe on your generous gestures? In this episode, Leonora and Mike explore the tax considerations of gifting, whether it’s cash or assets. They break down the complex rules of capital gains tax (CGT) and inheritance tax (IHT), to help you understand your potential tax liabilities so that you can gift with confidence. For more Private Wealth podcasts, head to: www.saffery....
What if the latest tax reforms could change the way you plan for your family's future? Join us as we unravel the implications of Rachel Reeves' recent Budget announcements, where we tackle the significant reforms to inheritance tax, especially the tightened restrictions on Business Property Relief (BPR) and Agricultural Property Relief (APR). With Leonora Stevens and Mike Hodges lending their expertise, we uncover how these changes might usher in hefty tax liabilities, and why farmers and agr...
Selling a business is a major decision that requires careful planning, as it could involve significant financial implications for the seller. In this episode, Leonora and Mike are joined by Jenny Serridge, a director in our corporate finance team, and Adam Kay, a partner in our transactions tax department. If you're thinking about selling your business, the team provide insights on the entire sale process from both the corporate perspective and the personal tax side, including: The importance...
The summer months mark peak wedding season, yet amid the festivities, there are important tax considerations to keep in mind. In this episode, Leonora Stevens and Mike Hodges delve into the key tax points associated with weddings and civil partnerships, including: Gifting rules and how they apply to wedding gifts,The tax implications for individuals getting married, andThe various tax benefits of tying the knot.For more Private Wealth podcasts, head to: www.saffery.com/insights/podcasts/ Sa...
Could incorporating your residential property portfolio save you thousands in taxes? Join us for an eye-opening discussion as Leonora Stephens from Bristol and Mike Hodges from Manchester delve into the ins and outs of property incorporation. We tackle why high tax rates on rental profits and capital gains often push property owners toward this strategy and uncover the nuanced benefits like lower corporation tax rates and flexible income distribution. Listen as we break down essential reliefs...
Join us as we uncover the issues families are facing when looking to the future and ensuring the legacy of their family estate. With insights from Leonora Stevens, Mike Hodges, and special guest Peter Harker, we'll move beyond the typical tax talk and delve into the practicalities of succession planning. Discover strategies to manage farmland, residential properties, and natural capital projects effectively while preparing heirs to take the reins. This episode is essential listening for anyon...
A family office is a formal arrangement that involves a high-net-worth family being supported with a range of services, including legal, tax, accounting and concierge support. Whether or not you need a family office depends entirely on your financial, investment, and personal needs. In this episode, Leonora and Mike are joined by Alexandra Britton-Davis, a fellow partner at Saffery. As well as outlining how they’d interact with a family office as external advisers, they answer key questions...
In this episode, we cover the tax implications and practical considerations involved when purchasing large properties and landed estates. Leonora and Mike are joined by Elizabeth Hartless, a fellow partner at Saffery. As well as outlining top tax tips with respect to property renovations, other key areas discussed include: Funding and structuring,Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT),VAT considerations,The impact on your inheritance tax (IHT) position,Employment taxes if taking on any employees, and&nbs...
In this episode we examine the tax and practical aspects to consider when thinking about retirement. We discuss the importance of having a plan in place to ensure you are prepared and are able to achieve your personal objectives. Leonora and Mike specifically delve into areas including: Pensions,Cash and other assets (more information on gifting cash and property is available),Removing liquidity from a business,Business property relief (BPR), andInheritance tax (IHT).For more Private Wealth ...
In this episode, Leonora Stevens and Mike Hodges approach the sensitive topic of death and tax planning, sharing their top tips to give you peace of mind and to help make the planning process as seamless as possible. In particular, Leonora and Mike discuss: The importance of having an up-to-date will in place,Inheritance tax (IHT) and estate planning,The complications of leaving behind a legacy to charity, andOther practical points to consider.You can also find further information in our art...
In this episode Leonora Stevens and Mike Hodges revisit Family Investment Companies (FICs) and are delighted to be joined by Guy Broadfield, a Senior Associate at Burges Salmon who has a focus on tax and trusts. We first examined FICs back in 2021 (that episode can be listened to here), but with markets and sectors moving at such rapid pace we delve into this area again, this time discussing: Are FICs still as widely used as they were previously? What problems can arise when using this ...