Inheritance tax relief maximisation?

Inheritance tax relief maximisation?

11:08 AM, 23rd November 2017, About 6 years ago 1

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My wife and I own several properties which are rented to tenants. Some of the properties were bought over a number years by increasing the mortgage on our principal residence, each advance being identifiable as an advance with which to purchase a buy to let property, leaving each BTL unencumbered.

We did this as the mortgage interest on our principal residence was more attractive than taking out a mortgage for each individual BTL property.

One of the BTL’s is soon to become vacant, and due to the increase in value over ten years, a sale of that property would be sufficient to clear the mortgage on our principal residence, leaving all properties unencumbered.

As the value of our principal residence is less than £1m, would it be better for inheritance tax purposes to not pay off that mortgage, or, since the IHT relief is now £1m, would it be better to pay off the mortgage and take advantage of the IHT relief as I believe it is only applicable to the principal residence?

Many thanks

Malcolm


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Mark Alexander - Founder of Property118

11:22 AM, 23rd November 2017, About 6 years ago

Hi Malcolm

Whether you pay off the mortgage or not isn't going to affect your IHT liability one way or the other, because your net position in regards to assets and liabilities will not change.

I do think you might be missing a number of other tax planning opportunityies though. There are many more IHT planning opportunities associated with company shares when compared to individual ownership. If it can be established that you and your wife are operating a rental property business together with a view to profit, it may be possible for you to transfer your properties into a company without paying CGT or Stamp Duty.
This could open up opportunities for making income tax savings as well as IHT planning opportunities.

If you book a consultation with us it will cost you just £400. We will investigate and report on any tax planning opportunities and make recommendations in writing with links to the corresponding HMRC manuals for your accountants to check. We are so confident in this service we provide a guarantee of total satisfaction or a full refund.

Please see https://www.property118.com/tax/

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