Ian Smart: Simplification of inheritance tax?

'Many questions and issues'

clock • 4 min read

A look at what the OTS recommendations might mean for life insurance policies

In July of this year, following its first report in November 2018, the Office of Tax Simplification (OTS) published its second report on the simplification of inheritance tax (IHT). This report sets out a number of recommendations for 'a more coherent and understandable structure of the tax'. Here, I have looked at the recommendations in respect of life insurance policies being paid free of IHT, even if not in trust, considering what this may mean along with any future clarification that may be needed. Life Insurance Life policies are a useful way of providing a sum which, if writt...

To continue reading this article...

Join COVER for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, key trend analysis and industry insights.
  • Stay on top of the latest developments around health and wellbeing, diversity and inclusion and the cost of living crisis.
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletter.
  • Members only access to monthly programme 'The COVER Review'
  • Be the first to hear about our CPD accredited events and awards programmes.

Join now

 

Already a Cover member?

Login

More on Regulation

IHT receipts hit £3.2bn

IHT receipts hit £3.2bn

Up by £100m on last year

Isabel Baxter
clock 21 August 2026 • 3 min read
FOS outlines reforms to complaints process

FOS outlines reforms to complaints process

FOS/FCA joint thematic review to come later this year

Isabel Baxter
clock 11 August 2026 • 3 min read
John Healey's first Autumn Budget set for 28 October

John Healey's first Autumn Budget set for 28 October

Government looks to "kickstart growth in every postcode"

Isabel Baxter
clock 03 August 2026 • 2 min read