Inheritance Tax - 2025 Virtual Conference

Introduction

Chaired by leading IHT expert John Bunker, this online conference offers essential updates and expert guidance on navigating the most significant inheritance tax reforms in over a decade.

With major changes to Agricultural and Business Property Reliefs (APR and BPR) from 2026, the introduction of inheritance tax (IHT) on pensions from 2027, and continued fiscal tightening through frozen thresholds, professionals advising on estate and succession planning must be prepared.

This programme will cover wills, variations, trusts, exemptions and reliefs, offering in-depth technical insight and actionable strategies to help practitioners adapt to a fast-changing tax landscape and support clients effectively.

Conference Agenda

This live and interactive 5-hour conference will cover the following:

10am-11am: IHT Planning with Wills & Variations: Navigating the Huge Changes in 2026/27

John Bunker, JDB Legal and Tax Training Ltd

Major changes are on the horizon for farms and businesses. With the reforms to APR and BPR due in 2026, to pensions in 2027, and the continuing freeze on IHT as part of the /stealth taxation/, wills and deeds of variation remain key tools in the estate planner’s toolkit, but their application now requires even greater care and precision. This session will explore how practitioners can continue to use wills and variations effectively to mitigate IHT, while navigating the latest legislative and policy developments.

The session will combine technical insight with practical advice on drafting, structuring, and post-death planning, helping delegates adapt their strategies to current challenges and avoid common traps.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand how recent IHT changes impact the use of wills and deeds of variation
• Identify practical planning opportunities and risk areas under the current regime
• Apply effective strategies to reduce IHT liability while remaining compliant with evolving rules

Morning Break

11:10am-12:10pm: Inheritance Tax - Where Are We Now?

Charlotte Shaughnessy, Principle Associate Mills & Reeve LLP

This session will explore the significant changes to the IHT regime, including the reduction in BPR and APR, and the introduction of IHT on pensions.

Bullet Points to Be Covered:

• Overview of the upcoming changes to BPR, APR, and pensions
• Impact of reduced BPR and APR
• Effective planning with family companies, including:
• Succession planning and utilising £1m allowances
• Minority discounts and the use of trusts
• Growth and freezer shares
• Taxation on pensions and its implications starting from April 2027

12:10pm-1:10pm: Safeguarding Farms & Family Businesses: The Changing Landscape of APR & BPR

Charles Holbech, Barrister, New Square Chambers

Agricultural and Business Property Relief (APR and BPR) remain vital tools for protecting farms and family businesses from inheritance tax exposure. However, the landscape is becoming increasingly complex in light of recent case law, HMRC challenges, and proposed legislative changes, including Government plans to reform the scope of these reliefs from 6 April 2026.

This session will provide expert analysis of the current legal framework, focusing on the practical implications of key decisions, the evidential thresholds required to secure relief, and how best to structure ownership and operations to withstand scrutiny both now and in the future.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand the latest legal developments affecting APR and BPR eligibility
• Identify risk factors and evidential requirements in securing relief for farms and family businesses
• Apply practical planning strategies to futureproof claims and defend against HMRC challenges

Break for lunch

2-3pm: IHT Exemptions & Reliefs: What Still Works & What’s Under Pressure

Julie Bell, Consultant Solicitor, Read Roper and Read Solicitors

This session will provide a comprehensive update on the key inheritance tax exemptions and reliefs available to clients, highlighting recent legal developments and practical considerations.

Attendees will gain insight into the strategic use of exemptions such as the spouse exemption, normal expenditure out of income, charitable reliefs, and the nuances of the residence nil-rate band. The session will also explore emerging challenges and how to navigate potential pitfalls to maximise client benefit.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand the scope and application of major IHT exemptions and reliefs, including the residence nil-rate band
• Identify practical strategies to optimise use of exemptions while managing risks
• Recognise recent case law and legislative updates impacting IHT reliefs and how they affect planning

Afternoon break

3:15-4:15pm: Pension Changes (& any Budget 2025 Changes) & What They Mean for IHT & Estate Planning

John Bunker, JDB Legal and Tax Training Ltd

This session will consider the planning needed in response to the draft legislation in this year’s Finance Bill, already being legislated to give us time to adapt for April 2027. There is much to be done in IHT planning in the 18 months before the changes take effect. It cannot be left until next year!

This will include comment on anything more in the Budget papers. Delegates will gain a clearer understanding of how to structure and advise clients in response to this major change for IHT.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand how IHT is going to be applied to pensions and where the burden of the tax may fall.
• How PRs of estates will be responsible for paying the IHT, even though they have no control over the pensions
• What action is needed ahead of the changes to avoid the worst effects and to be prepared

Recording of live sessions: Soon after the Learn Live session has taken place you will be able to go back and access the recording - should you wish to revisit the material discussed.