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We here at Capron & Helliwell understand that every penny matters, especially when investing in second properties. Before looking into estate agents and viewing potential properties, make sure you know the impact of Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) on your budget. Standard SDLT is normally due only from property purchases (but not sales you will be please to know) over £125,000. - at 1% of the property value with the percentage increasing based on property value brackets set by HM Revenue & Customs. This is still the case where you are selling your main residence and buying a new m...

An article published in the Eastern Daily Press on 1st January 2019 has highlighted the number of estates which are unclaimed. According to the article, there are 78 estates with Norfolk and Waveney connections which are unclaimed (and many more throughout the country). This figure shows just how important it is to make a will. Many estates are likely to be worth hundreds of thousands of pounds, and perhaps even more. If someone dies without having made a will, the person is said to die ‘intestate’ and there is a hierarchy of family members who are able to claim the estate. If ...

An interesting article featured in the BBC News Business section today (24th October 2018) (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-45964915) has confirmed that Guildford in Surrey has the most estates subject to inheritance tax (‘IHT’). At the other end of the scale, Wigan in Greater Manchester has the fewest estates subject to IHT. Direct Line carried out the research for the 2015/16 tax year. IHT can be a very complex issue and it is always prudent to take legal advice from a trusted professional with regards to this area. For example, during your lifetime you may be looking to ...

In a case earlier this year, Harris v HMRC, a personal representative (‘PR’) of an estate dealt with an estate worth around £1m. There was inheritance tax of over £300,000 payable. The personal representative handed to a third party (a relative and beneficiary of the deceased) a sum of money on the understanding that that third party would settle the inheritance tax (‘IHT’) liability of the estate (amongst other sums outstanding). That third party returned home overseas, did not pay the outstanding inheritance tax and the PR could not contact him. HMRC ...