It is important to remember that you don't have to be a millionaire or even slightly rich for your estate to be eligible for Inheritance Tax.

The first £300,000 (2007 / 2008) of an individual's estate is taxed at 0% and is therefore not liable to Inheritance Tax. For married couples and registered civil partners it is currently £600,000, as it is for widows or widowers where their deceased partner did not use their nil rate band on death. Anything in excess of this amount is taxed at 40% on death.

• your home and car
• your furniture and personal effects
• your investments and savings
• the proceeds of your life insurance (unless under trust)

Most people nowadays are therefore liable for this tax unless they plan positively, and quite legally, to defer or avoid this responsibility.

The rate of Inheritance Tax is 40% for everyone. This is equivalent to the highest current rate for income tax. The tax is paid by those that inherit - and is deducted from the value of the estate on death - so inheritance tax is relevant whether you stand to gain an inheritance or you plan to leave one.

Following the severe stock market volatility over the last few years, now may be an ideal time to review the whole of your financial portfolio.

We have experts that can help with the following:

• Investment strategies for income and capital growth
• Increasing your income in retirement
• Reducing the impact of Inheritance Tax (Your home probably equals the nil rate band of Inheritance Tax)

Our aim is to show you how you can protect your capital from the ravages of Income Tax, Capital Gain Tax and Inflation. We also offer financial planning for Inheritance Tax. To this end, we have specialists in various fields to meet your financial planning needs.

If you are unsure whether it is worthwhile for you to give us a call, ask yourself the following questions:

• What effect will the cost of long term or immediate care have on my investments and assets?
• Is my capital growing to my satisfaction?
• Will my income keep pace with inflation?
• Can my taxation be reduced?
• Who will benefit most on my death - the tax man or my heirs?

If you have any doubts about your answers to these questions please give us a call so as we can enlighten you and perhaps offer new ideas.

If you think any of your friends, colleagues or relations would benefit from a no obligation appointment, please extend our invitation to them.