Does Labour have secret plans for your legacy via inheritance tax changes?
Labour could have secret plans to raise Inheritance Tax (IHT) policies, meaning families with assets in the UK should prepare for a potential surge in tax burdens.
This is the stark warning from Juan Serey, senior advisor at Secure Mortgages and Protection, as prime minister Sir Keir Starmer and chancellor Rachel Reeves scramble to plug a £20bn shortfall.
He says: “The new government is doing media rounds to brief the country about the enormous black hole in public finances.
“It can be reasonably assumed that they are doing this ahead of the autumn budget, in which they will seek to raise taxes.
“Rachel Reeves refuses to rule out capital gains tax rises. We also expect there to be policy shifts for inheritance tax too.”
Potential changes may eliminate current allowances, which allow parents and grandparents to pass on up to £1 million tax-free.
“This move could see countless families hit with hefty tax bills, forcing them to sell cherished family homes or liquidate assets just to pay the taxman,” notes Juan Serey.
“IHT is clearly no longer limited to the ultra-wealthy, as initially intended. It is increasingly affecting middle-class families whose primary asset is their family home.”
As frozen tax thresholds and a punitive 40% rate drag more families into the IHT net, the urgency for effective financial planning becomes paramount.
“With 40% of homes sold in England and Wales now exceeding the basic allowance, the threat is real and immediate.”
Labour’s pledges to avoid increasing major taxes like income tax, national insurance, and VAT raise critical questions about funding for vital services, such as education and healthcare.
“The money has got to come from somewhere – and we expect that an increase in IHT will be a prime target to help plug the gap,” warns Juan Serey.
This shift towards higher IHT rates could discourage savings and investments, with broader economic implications affecting families nationwide.
As IHT is often dubbed the most loathed of all taxes, it essentially constitutes double taxation—levied on assets that have already been taxed.
In these uncertain times, whole of life insurance policies offer a strategic solution to managing and mitigating IHT liabilities.
These policies guarantee a payout upon death, which can be used to cover IHT bills, ensuring your heirs receive their full inheritance without the added burden of taxes.
They protect your estate from being depleted by taxes and secure the financial future of your loved ones.
By acting now, you can lock in lower premiums, making this a prudent and affordable way to shield your assets from future tax increases.
The senior advisor continues: “The desire to leave a legacy for loved ones is a deeply ingrained human instinct. By planning ahead, families can ensure their legacy is protected and their financial goals are met.”
He concludes: “We urge families to take immediate action and consult with experienced financial protection advisors to explore whole of life insurance policies as a safeguard against potential IHT increases from the new Labour government.”
