Inheritance Tax planning in Oswestry: protecting your family's wealth

Inheritance Tax (IHT) is an important consideration for many families in Oswestry and across Shropshire, particularly as property values and accumulated wealth increase over time. Without careful planning, estates that exceed the available thresholds may be subject to a 40% tax charge, which can significantly reduce the amount passed on to loved ones.

The good news is that, with the right advice and forward planning, there are a range of effective ways to manage a potential IHT liability. By putting the right structure in place early, families can ensure more of their wealth is preserved and passed on in line with their wishes.

At Beaumont Wealth, IHT planning is one of our core areas of expertise. From our Oswestry office, we work closely with families across Shropshire and North Wales to help them take a proactive, long-term approach to protecting their wealth for future generations.

How much Inheritance Tax could your estate face?

The IHT threshold for an individual, known as the nil-rate band, is £325,000. If you own a home and plan to leave it to direct descendants, such as children and grandchildren, an additional residence nil-rate band of up to £175,000 applies, giving a combined threshold of £500,000. For couples, any unused nil-rate band can be transferred to the surviving spouse, meaning a couple could potentially pass on up to £1,000,000 tax-free.

Anything above that threshold is taxed at 40%. So if your estate, including property, savings, investments, and, from April 2027, your pension, is worth £800,000 as an individual with no residence nil-rate band, the IHT bill could be £190,000. For a couple with a combined estate of £1.4 million, the bill on the second death could exceed £160,000.

These are significant sums, but in many cases, they can be substantially reduced with proper planning.

Our IHT planning services in Oswestry

There is no single solution to Inheritance Tax. Every estate is different, and the right strategy depends on the size and structure of your estate, your income needs, family circumstances, and how much time you have to plan. At Beaumont Wealth, we start by understanding your full picture before making any recommendations.

The April 2027 pension changes: what Oswestry clients need to know

Until now, one of the most effective ways to pass on wealth tax-efficiently has been to keep money inside a pension. Pension pots have sat outside the estate for IHT purposes, meaning they could be passed to children or grandchildren without any Inheritance Tax charge.

From 6 April 2027, this changes. Most unused pension funds will be included in your estate and subject to IHT at 40%. For those who die after age 75, beneficiaries will also face income tax on withdrawals from inherited pensions, creating a potential combined tax exposure of up to 64% on the same funds.

This change makes reviewing your estate plan before April 2027 more important than ever. If you’ve been keeping your pension largely untouched with the intention of passing it on, it may be worth reviewing your approach. Changes in the rules mean that what worked well in the past might no longer be the best option. We are helping clients across Oswestry and Shropshire to understand these changes and adjust their plans so they continue to meet their long-term goals.

Why choose Beaumont Wealth in Oswestry?

• Fully independent: we are not tied to any provider. Our recommendations are always in your best interests, not driven by product commission.
• Chartered Financial Planners: the highest professional qualification in financial planning.
• 25+ years of experience: serving individuals and families across Shropshire, Cheshire, and North Wales since the late 1990s.
• FT Adviser Top 50 Boutique 2025: ranked 6th in the UK, reflecting the trust our clients place in us and the quality of advice we deliver.
• SOLLA-accredited: specialist later-life and care planning expertise for clients thinking about the longer term.
• Local and accessible: our Oswestry office on Salop Road offers face-to-face appointments. We also serve clients across Wrexham, Ellesmere, Welshpool, Llangollen, and the wider North Wales border area.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need an Inheritance Tax adviser?

If the combined value of your estate, including property, savings, investments, and, from April 2027, pension funds, is likely to exceed £325,000, or £500,000 if you own a home you plan to leave to direct descendants, IHT planning advice is worth seeking. A local adviser can review your full estate, identify the strategies available to you, and build a plan that protects more of your wealth for your family.

How much of my estate can I pass on free of Inheritance Tax?

The standard nil-rate band is £325,000. With the residence nil-rate band, available when you plan to leave a home to direct descendants, an individual threshold can reach £500,000. For couples using both nil-rate bands in full, the combined threshold can reach £1,000,000. Anything above the threshold is taxed at 40%.

How will the April 2027 pension changes affect my estate planning?

From 6 April 2027, most unused pension funds will be included in your estate for IHT purposes. It makes lifetime gifting strategies, careful drawdown planning, and overall estate restructuring more important than before. If you have a sizeable pension and estate, a review before April 2027 is strongly recommended.

What areas near Oswestry does Beaumont Wealth serve?

Our Oswestry office serves clients across Shropshire and North Wales, including Oswestry, Shrewsbury, Wrexham, Llangollen, Ellesmere, Welshpool, and surrounding areas. We also have offices in Shrewsbury and Chester for clients based further afield.

Is the initial consultation free?

Yes. Your initial consultation with Beaumont Wealth is free and without obligation. It is an opportunity to discuss your circumstances and goals with an independent adviser and understand how we work before making any commitment.