- Making sure that you are using all the tax allowances available to you.
- Reducing your taxable estate either through spending or gifting to family members/friends. If you can afford to give away excess income annually then this approach is a tax-efficient way to pass on money while you’re alive.
- Putting assets into a trust or other structure, which can provide protection for, and control over, those assets.
- Having a valid will in place that is regularly reviewed and updated. As well as avoiding the confusion for your family that can arise when a will is not in place, a will can help to ensure your financial assets are passed on according to your wishes.
- Charitable donations: giving in our wills can be tax-efficient and for most of us it is easier to make bigger gifts in this way. But where we are able to do it, giving while we are alive means that we can see the impact our gifts can make and can also be tax-efficient, for example through the use of gift aid and charitable trusts and other structures.
Looking to make the most of available tax allowances and reliefs?
Our latest guide highlights key tax planning opportunities and considerations for the 2026-27 tax year.