---
title: The best time to start Inheritance Tax planning
description: Discover why starting Inheritance Tax planning early is crucial, regardless of age. Learn how to protect your estate and minimise tax exposure effectively.
image: https://blog.shorts.uk.com/hubfs/The%20best%20time%20to%20start%20Inheritance%20Tax%20planning%20(1).png
---

[![Shorts_logo_White](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/hubfs/New%20Site%202018/Shorts_logo_White.svg "Shorts_logo_White")](https://www.shorts.uk.com/)

[Blogs & News](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/) > [Private Client](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/topic/private-client)

# The best time to start Inheritance Tax planning

Mark Trevenna - 15 April 2026

###### Select topic

- Please Select -

[ Audit ](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/topic/audit) [ Business Taxes ](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/topic/business-taxes) [ Radius – R&D Tax Relief & Patent Box ](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/topic/radius-rd-tax-relief-patent-box) [ Corporate Finance ](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/topic/corporate-finance) [ GENUS Management Accounts ](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/topic/genus-management-accounts) [ VAT ](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/topic/vat) [ Private Client ](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/topic/private-client) [ Payroll ](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/topic/payroll) [ EOT ](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/topic/eot) [ International Taxes ](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/topic/international-taxes)

![featured image](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/hubfs/The%20best%20time%20to%20start%20Inheritance%20Tax%20planning%20(1).png)

Inheritance Tax (IHT) has a reputation for being a problem "for later", something to worry about once you’re wealthy, retired, or more aware of your own mortality. But as Shorts tax specialists Craig Walker and Mark Trevena discussed on the recent [Accountable by Shorts podcast](https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWCuffpVpSPI3QHQhcbW31XgGIKOuKQCV&si=9yiumjyHQT8dXmdC), this assumption is one of the biggest obstacles to [effective estate planning](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/finding-confidence-when-youre-unsure-about-estate-planning). In reality, most people wait far too long to think about Inheritance Tax, and many others underestimate the benefits of starting early.

So, is there such a thing as being too young or too old for IHT planning? In short: no. But the way you approach it, and the opportunities available to you, will change depending on when you start.

## **Why younger people shouldn’t ignore IHT planning**

For anyone in their twenties, thirties or forties, [Inheritance Tax](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/what-is-inheritance-tax-introduction) can feel remote, something you only need to worry about when you’re older or have amassed significant wealth.

But the earlier individuals begin to consider their estate, the more options they have available to them. Planning “too early” is rarely a problem; planning too late almost always is.

According to Craig, early IHT planning gives you:

**1. More time to use the [seven‑year gifting rule](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/iht-and-the-seven-year-rule-explained-gifts-taper-relief-and-allowances)**  
Gifts made earlier in life have a much better chance of falling completely outside your estate.

**2. Flexibility to build long-term strategies**  
Younger individuals can structure savings, investments and property ownership in tax‑efficient ways that compound over time.

**3. Time to understand changing rules**  
With pension wealth being brought into the scope of IHT from April 2027, younger savers need to understand how their retirement pots might eventually increase their taxable estates.

And importantly, many younger people underestimate their asset base. With property values rising and the nil‑rate band frozen since 2009, more people than ever risk [drifting into IHT territory](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/are-more-people-now-potentially-liable-to-inheritance-tax) long before they expect it.

Starting early simply means understanding your estate and building good habits.

## Why you’re never too old to start IHT planning

On the other end of the spectrum, older individuals often assume they’ve "missed the boat" on meaningful IHT planning. But as Mark stresses, this is rarely the case. Even if certain strategies are no longer available, there is almost always something that can be done.

For older clients, the priority often shifts to:

### Minimising avoidable tax exposure

This might include using annual exemptions, reviewing the structure of assets, or ensuring previous gifts have been properly recorded.

### Ensure your will is professionally drafted

DIY wills are common among older adults and frequently cause ambiguity, disputes and unexpected tax liabilities. A properly drafted will reduces stress and protects your beneficiaries.

### Understanding what tax your estate will face

Even if you can’t remove the IHT liability, quantifying it allows you to plan how it will be paid. Some families choose strategies such as ensuring sufficient cash is available or using life insurance to cover the expected tax.

Older adults often feel anxious about inheritance tax, but clarity can be just as valuable as tax reduction. As Mark explains, 'Even if nothing can be changed, it’s better to know what you’re dealing with.'

## **Beware the risks of doing nothing**

Across all ages, the biggest issue is not starting too early or too late: it’s not starting at all. People frequently avoid IHT planning because they find the topic morbid, confusing or simply unimportant until "one day in the future". Burying your head in the sand only makes it harder for your family later.

And leaving things until the last minute limits your choices and ignites further stress. Gifting strategies become impractical. Trust structures may no longer be suitable. Simple actions that once carried no tax consequences may suddenly become risky.

Inheritance Tax is easiest to reduce when you have time. It’s hardest when time is the one thing you no longer have.

## **So, when *should* you start IHT planning?**

Whether you ask an accountant or a financial adviser, the answer will always be the same: start now, whatever your age.

- If you’re young, you can build slowly and strategically.
- If you’re older, you can protect your family from unnecessary complications.
- If you have no idea where to start, the first step is simply understanding your estate and your goals.

There is no perfect age — only the risk of leaving it too late. If you want to start planning your estate, [Shorts' Personal Tax Planning team](https://www.shorts.uk.com/private-client/personal-tax-planning) can help. our tax advisers take the time to listen to your needs and priorities, and create a personalised plan. If you want more information, our [podcast episode on Inheritance Tax](https://open.spotify.com/show/1I6unRvmwlydoCwginduz6?si=cd87b44bb7d84806) covers [common IHT misconceptions](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/dispelling-the-most-common-myths-about-inheritance-tax) and practical advice to help individuals feel more empowered with their estate planning. 

![author](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/hubfs/0b1e7a14-b841-44ed-b1eb-f41a3f74cbba.jpg)

#### Mark Trevenna

As a Private Client Senior Manager at Shorts and Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA), Mark regularly advises individuals and trustees on tax compliance and improving the tax efficiencies of the trusts and their estates. Mark has over 17 years of experience advising clients on Inheritance Tax and Capital Gains Tax.

[View my articles](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/author/mark-trevenna)

 Tags: [Private Client](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/topic/private-client), [Inheritance Tax (IHT)](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/topic/inheritance-tax-iht), [Estate Planning](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/topic/estate-planning)

Share this on

- <https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://blog.shorts.uk.com/the-best-time-to-start-inheritance-tax-planning>
- <https://twitter.com/home?status=https://blog.shorts.uk.com/the-best-time-to-start-inheritance-tax-planning&url=https://blog.shorts.uk.com/the-best-time-to-start-inheritance-tax-planning&source=tweetbutton&text=>
- <https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://blog.shorts.uk.com/the-best-time-to-start-inheritance-tax-planning>

[Questions? Get in touch with us](https://www.shorts.uk.com/contact/)

###### Tax Saving Guide 2026-27

 Written especially for entrepreneurs and owner-managed businesses, this guide is full of planning ideas and tax risks to avoid. 

[ Download now ](https://info.shorts.uk.com/en-gb/tax-saving-guide)

![Tax saving guide 2026-27](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Tax%20saving%20guide%202024.jpg?width=375&height=465&name=Tax%20saving%20guide%202024.jpg)

###### Related articles

##### [Using gifts and exemptions to reduce your Inheritance Tax](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/using-gifts-reliefs-and-exemptions-to-reduce-your-inheritance-tax)

##### [Why is Inheritance Tax often referred to as a 'voluntary tax'?](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/why-is-inheritance-tax-often-referred-to-as-a-voluntary-tax)

##### [IHT & the Seven-Year Rule explained: gifts, taper relief, allowances](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/iht-and-the-seven-year-rule-explained-gifts-taper-relief-and-allowances)

##### [Family Investment Companies: is it right for you?](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/family-investment-companies-is-it-right-for-you/)

###### Latest articles

[A case of aggressive tax avoidance: Glasgow Rangers Football Club](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/aggressive-tax-avoidance-affect-you)

[What is VAT? - Complete Guide (Updated for 2025/26)](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/what-is-vat)

[Ashgate Hospice Sparkle Night Walk 2026](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/ashgate-hospice-sparkle-night-walk-2026)

[Stocktaking guide for UK businesses](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/stocktaking-guide-for-uk-businesses)

[Supporting the Chatsworth Cascade for future generations](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/supporting-the-chatsworth-cascade-for-future-generations)

[Deal of the Year win at Insider Dealmakers Awards 2026](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/deal-of-the-year-win-at-insider-dealmakers-awards-2026)

[Football shirt Wednesday: Backing England in style](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/football-shirt-wednesday-backing-england-in-style)

[Understanding lifetime trusts: the basics](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/understanding-lifetime-trusts-the-basics)

[Close company directors face new HMRC detail requirements in 2026](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/close-company-directors-face-new-hmrc-detail-requirements-in-2026)

[Shorts advise Harris Irwin Architects on successful growth funding.](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/shorts-advise-harris-irwin-architects-on-successful-growth-funding)

#### About Us

Use this little footer to reinforce your message about who you are and why people love working with you. And since this is a global module, you only have to edit it once to make the changes across every page it appears on.

[Learn More [fa icon="long-arrow-right"]](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/the-best-time-to-start-inheritance-tax-planning#)

#### More Links

#### Contact Us

[fa icon="phone"]  

[fa icon="envelope"]  [yourname@company.com](mailto:yourname@company.com)

[fa icon="home"]  Cedar House, 63 Napier Street, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S11 8HN, | 2 Ashgate Road, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, S40 4AA | (0114) 2671617 / (01246) 559955

[[fa icon="facebook-square"]Facebook](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/the-best-time-to-start-inheritance-tax-planning#) [[fa icon="linkedin-square"]Linkedin](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/the-best-time-to-start-inheritance-tax-planning#) [[fa icon="twitter-square"]Twitter](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/the-best-time-to-start-inheritance-tax-planning#) [[fa icon="pinterest-square"]Pinterest](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/the-best-time-to-start-inheritance-tax-planning#)

 Copyright 2026 | Designed with [fa icon="heart"] by [HubSpot](https://www.hubspot.com)

[[fa icon="chevron-up"]Back to top](https://blog.shorts.uk.com/the-best-time-to-start-inheritance-tax-planning#)

```json
{
  "@context" : "https://schema.org",
  "@type" : "BlogPosting",
  "author" : {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "name" : "Mark Trevenna",
    "url" : "https://blog.shorts.uk.com/author/mark-trevenna"
  },
  "dateModified" : "2026-04-30T13:02:17.306Z",
  "datePublished" : "2026-04-15T15:50:52.000Z",
  "headline" : "The best time to start Inheritance Tax planning",
  "image" : [ "https://blog.shorts.uk.com/hubfs/The%20best%20time%20to%20start%20Inheritance%20Tax%20planning%20(1).png" ],
  "mainEntityOfPage" : {
    "@id" : "https://blog.shorts.uk.com/the-best-time-to-start-inheritance-tax-planning",
    "@type" : "WebPage"
  },
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "url" : "https://blog.shorts.uk.com/hubfs/2018%20Shorts%20logo%20with%20transparent%20background%20.png"
    },
    "name" : "Shorts"
  }
}
```