At Stellar’s Tax Clinic, Tom Moore outlined advanced Business Relief (BR) strategies for IHT planning. Key Points: Business Relief: 100% IHT relief after two years for qualifying trading businesses; reduces asset value for IHT rather than exempting it. Advanced Strategies: Section 113A (preserve BR after asset changes), double-dipping for spouses, hybrid companies, Section 39A cash gifts, and last-minute asset reallocation. Practical Considerations: Assess stamp duty, CGT, and ownership periods; HMRC supports genuine hybrid/flexible applications. Takeaway: Smart structuring via companies, trusts, and interspousal planning can maximise BR and significantly reduce IHT liabilities.

At Stellar’s Tax Clinic, Tom Moore and Matthew Steiner explored how personal trading companies (PTCs) can deliver IHT efficiency via Business Relief (BR). Key Points: Stellar Services: IHT mitigation through wholly owned PTCs in sectors like forestry, golf, care homes, and property. Business Relief: Up to 100% IHT relief for qualifying trading businesses after two years. Advantages: Control over shares/dividends, tax efficiency, continuity relief, and succession planning. Advanced Techniques: Hybrid companies, double-dipping, growth shares, and trusts can extend BR benefits. Takeaway: PTCs provide a controlled, tax-efficient route to IHT relief, enabling flexible succession and intergenerational wealth preservation.

The final Stellar webinar on IHT for business owners, hosted by Matthew Steiner with Jennifer Priestley and Modwenna Rees-Mogg, focused on Business Relief (BR) strategies and post-sale planning. Key Points: Stellar: Specialises in IHT-efficient BR across diverse, asset-backed sectors; Trusted Partner Programme links advisers with tax, legal, and estate experts. Case Studies: Good planning can drastically reduce CGT and enable flexible, intergenerational wealth transfer. Post-Sale Planning: Personal trading companies preserve control, IHT efficiency, and allow reinvestment. Life After Sale: Adopting a pluralist lifestyle—NED roles, investing, mentoring—requires planning for finances, time, and personal brand. Takeaway: Holistic advice combining tax efficiency, planning, and personal purpose maximises long-term client value before and after a business exit.

At Stellar’s “Preparing Your Business for Maximum Value” webinar, Matthew Steiner and Jennifer Priestley focused on maximising business value ahead of exit. Key Points: Preparation & Collaboration: Early planning with financial, tax, and legal advisers improves sale outcomes and due diligence. Valuation: SME methods include EBITDA multiples, market comparatives, and DCF; accurate records are critical. Tax Planning: Business Asset Disposal Relief (formerly Entrepreneurs’ Relief) reduces CGT for eligible owners. Stellar Services: IHT-efficient Business Relief investments across forestry, property, hotels, and golf. Takeaway: Early strategic planning, management alignment, and holistic tax planning enhance value and ensure a smoother, more rewarding exit.