Neil MacGillivray: When did good tax planning become a loophole?

IHT planning

clock • 4 min read

After spotting an odd headline about inheritance tax (IHT) in a national newspaper, Neil MacGillivray wonders when efficient tax planning began to sound so suspect...

A recent article in The Telegraph with the headline 'How to avoid IHT in the UK - seven legal loopholes to cut the cost in 2022' piqued my interest. What tax planning strategies could they be alluding to? After all, a loophole is where there's ambiguity, or an inadequacy, in the law that can be exploited. Not something I feel a mainstream publication would wish to actively promote, or was I being too literal? As I worked through each of the seven suggested strategies, all were fine, but I think it safe to say they all just make maximum use of planning opportunities that the current rules...

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

How clients can talk discreetly to their parents about inheritance planning

How clients can talk discreetly to their parents about inheritance planning

'It's essential for clients to remain patient, empathetic, and understanding'

Mike Winstanley
clock 16 February 2026 • 5 min read
Finance Act 2006 turns 20: Why adviser awareness is critical

Finance Act 2006 turns 20: Why adviser awareness is critical

Planning considerations for new trusts

Julia Kiff-Brown
clock 11 February 2026 • 6 min read
Onshore bonds are back – but who is leading the call for their return?

Onshore bonds are back – but who is leading the call for their return?

'Innovation, as ever in financial services, starts by looking in the rear-view mirror'

clock 11 February 2026 • 5 min read