Laura Suter: The taxing task of IHT simplification

Two big unknowns

clock • 3 min read

The OTS had a difficult job on its hands balancing the need to simplify complex IHT rules while keeping them fair for consumers and affordable for the government, writes Laura Suter

The long-awaited report on how to simplify the inheritance tax (IHT) system came out this month, and it is not an overstatement to suggest the financial services sector was actually excited to see how the plans to battle through the complex web of rules had panned out. The Office of Tax Simplification (OTS) was tasked with coming up with different ways of fixing the system and making it easier for consumers to understand. Not just consumers would benefit from the changes, however, as the report also revealed there are some areas of the system that are so complex even professionals do not...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Tax planning

Advisers urged to protect themselves if clients reject IHT planning

Advisers urged to protect themselves if clients reject IHT planning

Could face questions from beneficiaries

Isabel Baxter
clock 02 October 2026 • 3 min read
IHT on pensions: 'A bigger deal than the government currently realises'

IHT on pensions: 'A bigger deal than the government currently realises'

AJ Bell's Rachel Vahey speaks at PA360 North

Sophia Panayi
clock 01 October 2026 • 3 min read
Budget Media Watch: Labour could scrap 'family farm tax'

Budget Media Watch: Labour could scrap 'family farm tax'

What the papers are saying about the Budget

Sophia Panayi
clock 22 September 2026 • 2 min read