Here at KCT when browsing the news lately we came across a rather alarming piece in The Telegraph, stating that middle-aged people will unfortunately not be able to rely on a windfall inheritance to aid any financial woes, as they will be retired by the time any money comes through. It seems that the age at which British adults tend to receive inheritance money is heading into the 60's, with experts predicting that it spells the demise of "traditional inheritance."

In a bid to keep up with the latest news regarding inheritance tax and death duties, we came across new figures published in the Solicitors Journal, noting that HMRC recently revealed it has received more than £3.4 billion from inheritance tax (IHT) and death duties in the last 12 months.

Hugh Lowther, the eldest son of the seventh Earl of Lonsdale, has been left with no other option but to sell his family's mountain in the English Lake District to cover Inheritance Tax (IHT) liabilities on his late father's estate. The decision of the new earl has brought much attention as the sale of Saddleback Fell is probably the first property divestment of its kind, the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) reports.

New figures show that, over the course of a year, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has seen a 23% rise in the amount of money raised by challenging the valuation of estates.

Many people risk leaving their families with hefty tax bills when they die because they are unaware of the current Inheritance Tax (IHT) threshold, according to new research.

The number of estates that will be liable to pay Inheritance Tax (IHT) will surge in the coming years, going up from 21,000 in 2012/13 to 42,000 in 2016/17, according to recent reports.

According to a recent report from insurer Aviva, around a quarter of Britons approaching retirement age do not plan to leave an inheritance as they focus instead on covering living costs and providing immediate financial support to family members.

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has revised its guidance to clarify in which cases it will not allow a claim to increase the probate value of land that has been sold at a profit within three years of death.

Nigel Merchant, Regional Probate Consultant here at Kings Court Trust, is frequently asked about Inheritance Tax. Here’s what he has to say: