Future-Proofing the Farm - IHT Risks, Reliefs & Planning Strategies in 2026

Introduction

The farming landscape is undergoing significant change. With APR and BPR reduced to 50%, subject to a £2.5 million allowance, many farming families are now facing potential IHT liabilities for the first time. However, when allowances are combined, there may still be up to £5 million of assets eligible for 100% relief - creating substantial planning opportunities if handled correctly.

Farmers who have historically avoided formal tax planning are now actively seeking professional advice, particularly around valuations, ownership structures, and the role of spouses.

Much attention has focused on lifetime gifting ahead of April 2026. Concerns around gifts with reservation of benefit must be carefully managed and fully integrated into planning around the £5 million relief threshold.

At the same time, HMRC continues to challenge diversification activities, often treating them as investment businesses attracting 0% BPR. Activities such as fishing rights, wedding venues, and holiday cottages can therefore create unexpected exposure. Amid the focus on maximising reliefs, the risk of losing BPR altogether must not be overlooked.

This webinar explores the key challenges, risks, and planning strategies affecting IHT and farms in 2026 and beyond.

What You Will Learn

This webinar will cover the following:

• Why IHT planning for farms must be considered holistically from the outset and revisited with every legislative or structural change
• The importance of appointing a strong and informed executor
• How farm values and probate valuations directly impact IHT exposure
• The interaction between CGT and IHT in all farm planning
• The continued relevance of Heritage Property Relief and Woodland Relief
• APR developments, including ‘farming for the environment’, vineyards, and cider production
• The need for meticulous structuring and documentation of lifetime gifts
• Why all wills should be reviewed following the 30 October 2024 Budget and the December 2025 £2.5 million announcement
• Farm partnership property, TRS requirements, and why partnership assets may still achieve 100% BPR while non-partnership property may be restricted to 50%

This pre-recorded webinar will be available to view from Thursday 23rd April 2026

Alternatively, you can gain access to this webinar and 2,300+ others via the MBL Webinar Subscription. Please email webinarsubscription@mblseminars.com for more details.