For most people, tax is a fact of life. It is, naturally, also a fact of death. On death HM Revenue and Customs will claim 40% of an individual's total estate over £285,000*. (*Upper limit for IHT nil rate band 2006-07. Proposed to rise to £300,000 by 2007-08.)

There is a common misconception that only the very wealthy need concern themselves with inheritance tax, however, with the increase in UK property prices there are more and more people who, without careful planning, will fall into the inheritance tax net.

With sound advice and careful planning you are able to reduce, or eliminate potential inheritance tax liability and ensure that your estate is dealt with in the most effective way, in accordance with your wishes, and without delay.

At Henderson Stone & Co we have experienced advisers who can help you understand and better choose from the different options available for reducing your IHT bill.

• Trusts
• CITs

Use our Financial calculators to gain an approximate indication of the likely Inheritance Tax (IHT) liability that could arise on the death of you and your spouse.