The changes to inheritance tax that were introduced in the 2015 Budget will soon come into effect, with some becoming the law as early as April 2017. With less than a year to prepare for these changes, it’s important to ensure you know what to expect and that you’re doing everything you need to in order to ensure you aren’t caught out. The biggest shift is an increase in the value of estates that can be passed on before any inheritance tax is paid. At the moment, the limit is

Drawdown is a way of achieving greater flexibility with your pension funds. Every time you move your money into drawdown, you’re allowed to take 25% of this as a lump sum, which is exempt from tax. The rest continues as an investment, with taxable income able to be drawn straight from your pension whenever you choose. The tax-free lump sum must be taken at the start, but as you don’t have to move your whole pension at once, multiple lump sums can potentially be taken. Another

Introduction We try to produce a balanced, rational market commentary at the end of every month. The politicians do their best to turn it into a soap opera. Ah well, here we go… When we left you last month the UK had just voted for Brexit. David Cameron had announced his decision to resign and a contest for the leadership of the Conservative Party – and the keys to 10 Downing Street – was under way. In the event it was a coronation not a contest, with Theresa May becoming Pri