Estate Planning

Independent financial advice that works for you.

Transparent fees. Whole-of-market planning.
Team-based across Scotland.

Shaping your legacy, together

For our clients, the succession of their wealth they have built up over their lives is a priority. Mitigating, as far as possible, the level of Inheritance Tax (IHT) payable on their legacy, or passing funds to beneficiaries throughout their lifetime forms a key part of their financial plan.

From 6 April 2027, the UK government will include most unused pension funds and death benefits in the value of an estate for Inheritance Tax purposes.

That means where unused pensions could be used as part of a tax-efficient wealth-transfer strategy may now expose more estates to IHT.

Estates that previously sat below the threshold could now face an Inheritance Tax bill - and more complexity in settling it, including limited time to settle any bills due. General guidance on Inheritance tax can be found on the www.gov.uk website. If you would like an appointment to discuss your estate and to get advice before April 2027, please contact our team who will be happy to help.

What’s changing?

Pensions added to estate value: Defined contribution pensions and most death benefits will be included in IHT calculations from 6 April 2027.

Exceptions maintained: Death-in-service benefits paid from registered pension schemes remain exempt

New responsibilities: Personal representatives (executors) will now be responsible for reporting and paying any IHT due—and failure to liaise or settle within six months could trigger costly penalties

Carry-forward relief preserved: Transfers to surviving spouses, civil partners, or registered charities remain exempt

What this means for individuals and families

Estates close to thresholds may now cross into IHT liability territory - even if pensions were previously excluded.

Executors face new administrative tasks: locating pension schemes, valuing them, and facilitating IHT within tight deadlines.

Effective pre-death planning - including leveraging exemptions and preserving liquidity - has never been more critical.

Secure your financial legacy

Comprehensive estate reviews

We assess how upcoming IHT changes may affect your pension arrangements and overall estate value.

Strategic wealth structuring

Combining pension drawdowns, lifetime gifts, and preserving exemptions to mitigate IHT exposure.

Executor support

Guidance to streamline pension validation and IHT settlement.

Estate planning is a complex area of financial planning, and one where taking professional advice is of great importance. Ensuring that any planning for family wealth is done in a comprehensive manner and that you have accounted for and have plans to mitigate any Inheritance Tax liability payable can be a confusing and frustrating road.

Our experienced Financial Planners will work with you to recommend the most suitable course of action to meet your objectives.

Speak to Us

Our people

We have a great team of qualified professionals available to support you with your plans. We are always keen to hear from anyone who might be interested in joining our team. Find out more here.

Joyce Duguid Employee Benefits Admin Manager AC Wealth

Meet the Team

Take Control of Your Retirement Today

Don't leave your financial future to chance. Our expert team will ensure your pension provisions are working as hard as possible to deliver the retirement you've planned.

Contact our Financial Planning team today for personalized pension advice tailored to your goals.

1st Floor, Blenheim House, Fountainhall Road, Aberdeen, AB15 4DT

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Aberdein Considine Wealth Ltd (AC Wealth) is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, FRN 1012486. Company number SC720631. The FCA does not regulate tax planning, Wills or Trusts. The value of investments can fall as well as rise. The information on this site is intended to be of general interest only and should not be considered as an offer, investment recommendation or solicitation, or advice to engage with any financial instruments. This website is intended for UK audiences only.