Inheritance Tax
Inheritance Tax Planning That Protects What You Leave Behind
Even if your estate may be liable for inheritance tax, there are ways to reduce the impact. At The Mortgage Shop, we take time to understand your situation and explain what HMRC rules mean for thresholds, allowances and gifts, so you can plan with confidence. Speak to us for clear, jargon-free guidance and practical next steps. (Information only, not personal advice.)
Our Story
Part of a Trusted National Network
We’re proud to be part of the Openwork network, one of the UK’s largest and most established financial advice networks.
This gives us access to a carefully selected panel of reputable providers, offering a broad range of solutions to help manage inheritance tax planning. As part of a trusted national network, our advisers can explain the latest HMRC thresholds, allowances and exemptions, and outline strategies such as gifts, trusts and life policies. As a whole-of-market advice firm, we match you with clear, compliant options designed to protect your estate and pass on more of your wealth to your loved ones.
Bad Credit Explained
What Counts as “Inheritance Tax” for your estate?
In the UK, inheritance tax (IHT) may be due on the part of your estate that exceeds your allowances. Knowing what’s included—and the 7-year rules on gifts—helps you plan realistically.”
If you want the whole section in that shorter style:
In the UK, IHT may be due on the value of your estate above your allowances. Understanding what’s included—and the 7-year gift rules—helps you plan realistically.
What HMRC usually counts
Estate assets: property, savings, investments, valuables
Gifts in the last 7 years (taper relief may apply)
Gifts with reservation (e.g., give away a home but still live there)
Some transfers into trusts
Information only, not personal advice.
Key Factors in Approval
How HMRC Assesses Inheritance Tax
For inheritance tax (IHT), HMRC looks beyond headline estate value to overall allowances, gifts and who inherits. The big levers are your nil-rate bands, gifts in the last 7 years, and how your assets are structured.
Key factors
Allowances: Nil-Rate Band and Residence Nil-Rate Band (where a main home passes to direct descendants).
Estate value: Property, savings, investments and valuables after debts.
Gifts (7-year rule): Larger gifts may be chargeable; taper relief can apply.
Spouse/civil partner exemption: Usually no IHT on transfers between UK-domiciled spouses/partners.
Domicile & reliefs: Domicile status and business/agricultural reliefs can change the outcome.
Our Approach
We Can Help You:
Our advisers will take the time to understand your situation, explain your options clearly, and guide you through every step of the life insurance journey – from initial enquiry to completion.
Life insurance
Provides financial support for your loved ones if you pass away
Family income benefit
Provides ongoing support for your family in the event of your death
Critical illness cover
Pays out a lump sum if you’re diagnosed with a serious illness covered by the policy
Mortgage protection
Helps ensure your mortgage can still be repaid if you become ill or pass away
Income protection
Offers a regular income if you're unable to work due to illness or injury
Mortgages For Bad Credit
As a specialist bad credit mortgage broker, we’ll assess your circumstances, and guide you through the process
Inheritance tax planning isn’t just about paperwork – it’s about preserving what you’ve built so more reaches the people you care about. We’ll explain HMRC thresholds, allowances and gifting in plain English, and help you map practical next steps with confidence.
Inheritance tax planning is subject to HMRC rules and your personal circumstances. Tax thresholds, allowances and reliefs can change, and any benefits depend on your situation. This content is information only and not personal tax or financial advice.
Why Choose The Mortgage Shop?
With over three decades of experience, we have built a reputation for excellence and customer satisfaction in the mortgage and financial services industry.
Family-run business
with local values
Friendly, straightforward advice
no jargon, no pressure
Tailored protection plans
to suit your life, needs, and budget
Access to quality providers
through the trusted Openwork network
Support every step of the way,
from first enquiry to application
EXCELLENT Based on 134 reviews Posted on P cosmin2025-04-08Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Absolutely amazing service from start to finish .Highly recommended ! Recently applied for the mortgage with The mortgage shop Blackpool…Robert has been so helpful right from the beginning getting us an agreement in principle very quickly then getting us a great deal on our mortgage.We have been kept well informed and even after our mortgage has been approved he has been helping us sorting out our insurance policies and giving us some great advice! Couldn’t recommend this service enough it really is top notch 10/10Posted on A Scott2025-04-04Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our mortgage advisor was Christian and we can’t thank him enough! As first time buyers Chris took the time to explain the processes and answered any questions we had. Nothing was too much for him and he was always on hand to help where he could. Will definitely recommend to friends and family. Thank you again Christian!!Posted on J Schreiber2025-03-21Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Couldn't recommend their services enough, Rob who was the person dealing with us always made himself available whenever we had any issues, Due to our chain falling down we had to go back to see him a few months later for which he was more than happy and always got any issues we had addressed immediately. 10/10 Would highly recommend, Thank youPosted on W muntoni2025-03-04Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. “My partner and I approached The Mortgage Shop some time before we were in a position to apply for a mortgage but had the pleasure of speaking to Rob who provided some invaluable advice on how to approach searching for and buying our first home. Some weeks later, we were ready so paid a visit to him at his office. From the get go, the service we’ve received has been exceptional. At every step, Rob explained very well what was happening and what the next steps would be, but was also answered any questions we had when they arose, putting our minds at ease with anything we were unsure about. Whenever there was a status change to our application, Rob updated us promptly and again explained what to expect next along the journey. Rob is a credit to their business and we can’t thank him and The Mortgage Shop enough. We will easily be recommending them to anyone looking at applying for a mortgage.”Posted on N Bahri2025-02-28Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fantastic service, very helpful and precise in every details. I plan to use them to remortgage my portfolio as the need arises. Nader BahriPosted on M Reece2025-01-28Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent service provided by Rob, was prompt and efficient in arranging our mortgage and communication skills were excellent. Highly recommended!Posted on S Crouch2025-01-21Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Worked with Robert, extremely quick process which was very much appreciated and needed. I was made to feel at ease from the moment I walked in. Would definitely recommend to anybody looking for mortgage advice. Thankyou so much for all your help. I'm very grateful!Posted on P Kyne2025-01-16Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had an excellent service working with Christian. He was always there to answer any questions I had and guided me well throughout the whole process. I was always updated and communicated with throughout. I Will definitely be recommending The Mortgage Shop to anyone who is going through this process.Posted on P Eaves2025-01-07Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fabulous service from Christian ! as first time buyers we didnt know where to start - Christian was very good at explaining all the different mortgage options and found us the best mortgage for our needs. communication was excellent , very prompt in replying to our queries and questions . Guided us through the next stages of buying a property informing us on what we needed to do re solicitors etc which was very helpful to us ! I would highly recommend anyone looking for a mortgage to contact The Mortgage Shop first . Many thanks for your help it has been outstanding !Posted on S And2024-10-30Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I used The Mortgage shop when moving house. Christina handled the whole process and took all the stress out of the application. She found me the best mortgage to suit my needs and liaised with me every step of the way. I would highly recommend the mortgage shop. Ryan Hatton