Recent Features and Opinion – Page 5
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FeatureStandard fare
Over 100 countries have signed up for the Common Reporting Standard to automatically exchange tax information. But in a complex international tax regime, what is the solicitor’s role? Yasmin Metcalfe outlines the main principles of the standard
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FeatureHide away
As the cost of residential care rises, more people are attempting to protect their home and other assets from local authorities to avoid paying for care. Heledd Wyn explains why such actions are doomed to fail, and how local authorities will approach a so-called deliberate deprivation of assets
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FeatureSign it over
There are several reasons why clients may want to transfer ownership of their home to their children – avoiding its value being included in care fee assessments, for example. But, cautions Roz Wyeth, there are major tax implications when passing on property
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FeatureWhat a relief
Business property relief is one of the most generous tax reliefs available in inheritance tax planning, but there are still several pitfalls to watch out for. David Thornber provides a guide
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FeatureBand practice
The new residence nil-rate band is now with us. Lesley King looks at some of the problems that can arise in practice, and offers some practical case studies and solutions
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FeatureWind it up
Jo Summers addresses the key taxation issues trustees must be aware of when winding up a trust
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FeatureChecks and balances
Upcoming tax changes may lead more private property investors to incorporate. Susan Winter looks at the pros and cons of each structure, and the implications for private clients who own property as an investment
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FeatureBanking on it
The so-called Bank of Mum and Dad plays a vital role in helping young people to take their first steps on to the housing ladder, but the legal issues for a solicitor to deal with are manifold. Sally Pike advises on how to ensure things go as smoothly as possible
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FeatureIn principle
The courts are increasingly willing to entertain proprietary estoppel claims and to hone the various limbs of the law. George Mallet examines two recent Court of Appeal decisions
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FeatureGive to receive
Whether through ad hoc charitable donations or a strategic programme of philanthropy, clients in Britain have a long history of ‘giving back’. Alana Petraske and Christopher Groves look at the options, and the tax reliefs available
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FeatureBack to Basics: Authorised payments for CoP deputies
Those in control of the finances of an incapacitated person may be an attorney by a registered power of attorney or a deputy under the Court of Protection. As such, the authority that they hold in terms of the payments that they are authorised to make differs. Melinda Giles set ...
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FeatureScreen savers
In an ever-changing digital world, it is becoming increasingly important to make arrangements for the future protection of digital assets, including online accounts. Nick Wenban-Smith provides a practical guide
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FeatureCapital letter
At the Private Client Section annual conference, Chris Whitehouse provided an update on capital tax planning after the 2016 budget
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Feature
Private Client Section annual conference 2016: Workshops
At the Private Client Section annual conference 2016, delegates could choose from six workshops, covering the Inheritance Act; asset protection and the pitfalls of co-ownership; digital assets; pensions; elderly client issues; and succession planning for business clients
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FeatureTrouble comes in threes
Three major recent changes are set to significantly affect the profitability of buy-to-let property, affecting private client landlords and property investors. Graham Poles outlines the changes and their potential impact
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FeatureHappy anniversary
In 2006, significant changes were made to the way that most trusts are treated for inheritance tax purposes. Ten years on, many trusts will now have to consider reporting obligations and potential inheritance tax liabilities for the first time, explains Russell Haworth
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FeatureBack to Basics: Lifetime gifts
Lifetime gifts are made for a number of reasons, two of the most common being generosity and a wish to save inheritance tax. Lesley King looks at the matters to consider in order for the gift to be valid.
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FeatureEscape route
Following recent changes to the current system of tax relief for buy-to-let investors, landlords now face a punishing tax regime if they stay in the market. Julie Butler suggests a way out: changing the status of the property to a furnished holiday letting
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FeatureClose to home
The financial abuse of the elderly is on the rise, and the perpetrator is frequently a family member. Richard Roberts details the warning signs practitioners should look out for, and the steps they can take where such abuse is exposed
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FeatureUsing mediation to resolve private client disputes
Leading commercial mediator Andrew Hildebrand explains how mediation can be used effectively to manage private client disputes