Prepare, Plan & Protect.
At Vault Private Client, we believe in proactive estate planning – not as something to fear, but as an opportunity. Our approach transforms the often-daunting task of inheritance tax (IHT) and probate into a positive step toward securing your family’s financial future. Through expert advice, we’ll help you reduce your estate’s IHT exposure and ensure a smoother probate process for those you leave behind.
BE Prepared.
IHT is a 40% tax levied on the value of your estate above the Nil Rate Band (currently £325,000). An additional £175,000 may apply if your main residence is left to direct descendants. Further allowances, such as transferable nil rate bands between spouses or civil partners, can increase the tax-free amount available.
Planning means reviewing your assets now. Visit our IHT Planning page for strategies to reduce the taxable value of your estate and speak with our expert tax solicitors.
Reporting & Paying IHT.
For estates over the relevant thresholds, Personal Representatives (PRs) must complete Form IHT400, submit it to HMRC, and settle any IHT owed. Once HMRC processes the return, a unique probate reference number is issued, enabling the grant application.
At Vault, we guide PRs through each step — from accurate valuations and reporting to avoiding delays, penalties, or costly mistakes. We also provide advice on how the Will’s provisions may affect tax liabilities, including prior lifetime gifts or chargeable legacies.
Six months from the end of the month in which the deceased died, interest begins to accrue thereafter. For estates containing property or illiquid assets, payment by instalments over ten years may be available. We can help you structure payments, including using direct transfers from bank or investment accounts via Form IHT423, to avoid prematurely selling valuable assets.
THE BEST IN THE BUSINESS.
Our probate and tax solicitors offer tailored inheritance tax advice and support for complex estates.
Russell Kaminski
Partner and Head of Private Client
Lucy Cresswell
Associate
Alison Rocca
Partner
Jason Stanley
Partner
Holly Greensmith
Solicitor
Matt Fleetwood
Group Chief Executive & Founder
Mark Dawson
Group Managing Director
Amanda McAlister
Head of Group Consumer Brands
Because We Are Here To Help You
Let us take the pressure off – expert guidance through every step of the probate process.
"Lucy, you are literally the sweetest lady ever. Honestly. Thanks for your very swift email and for everything."
PROBATE CLIENT
