American actor, Gene Hackman, passed away in February 2025 at the age of 95. Hackman was a renowned, award-winning actor with a career spanning over four decades. He was best known for his work in Hoosiers, The French Connection, Superman, and The Royal Tenenbaums but has acting credits in over 100 films or TV shows, according to IMDB.

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) opened 3,028 Inheritance Tax (IHT) investigations in the 2023-2024 tax year, recovering £285 million. This marks a significant decrease from the 5,537 investigations conducted in the 2018-2019 tax year, indicating a 45% reduction over five years. However, despite fewer investigations, the amount recovered per investigation has increased, suggesting that HMRC is taking a more targeted and effective enforcement approach. While the proportion of estates subject to IHT investigations has declined, the complexity of the tax continues to raise concerns. Many still argue that the Inheritance Tax is wrong, particularly as families navigating estate administration may not fully understand the risks of making costly mistakes

When it comes to estate administration, dealing with shareholdings can be one of the most intricate tasks faced by the Executors or Personal Representatives (PRs) responsible for administering a deceased person's estate. Shares often come with a maze of administrative, financial, and legal hurdles that require specialist expertise to navigate efficiently. At Kings Court Trust, we understand these complexities and provide tailored support to ensure every estate is handled with precision and care. This blog delves into some of the common challenges of shareholdings in estate administration and how to address them effectively.

We are proud to unveil our new identity, reflecting not only a fresh visual update but also a renewed commitment to providing exceptional service and specialist support to our clients and partners.

The Residence Nil-Rate Band (RNRB) was introduced as part of a broader effort by the UK government to alleviate the impact of Inheritance Tax (IHT) on middle-class families, particularly those whose primary asset was the family home. It was first announced in the 2015 Summer Budget by then-Chancellor, George Osborne. The government recognized that rising property prices were pushing more estates over the IHT threshold, and many families were being forced to pay large tax bills on modest estates, especially when passing down family homes to children or grandchildren.

Starting from 9 September 2024 in England and Wales all deaths will have to be referred to Medical Examiners. In this blog, we give a quick overview of the incoming changes and how they are revolutionising death certification.

When it comes to probate and estate administration in the UK, the regulatory landscape extends beyond the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA). Many organisations, including the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), also regulate these services, ensuring high standards and professionalism.

When considering the role of an Executor, many people underestimate the complexity and responsibilities involved in administering an estate. This oversight can lead to significant financial and emotional burdens, as illustrated in the below case study.

If you missed our social media gifting series from June and July,we've consolidated all our posts and are taking the opportunity to delve deeper into the nuances of Inheritance Tax (IHT) and gifting.