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  • Charitable Gifts in Wills and Inheritance Tax: the 10% Rule Explained (Buckinghamshire)

    Charitable gifts in a Will can reduce inheritance tax, including the 10% rule which lowers the tax rate from 40% to 36%. This guide explains how charitable giving works in Wills, when it saves tax, and how to structure it properly. Written by Chiltern Wills LLP in Buckinghamshire. Charitable Gifts in Wills: The Smart Way…

  • probate valuation

    Probate Valuation

    HMRC Is Looking More Closely at Probate valuation in Estates — Why Accuracy Now Matters More Than Ever For many years, inheritance tax was something most families assumed applied only to the very wealthy. In the South East in particular, that is no longer true. Rising property prices combined with frozen tax thresholds mean ordinary…

  • should you use AI to write your Will

    Should you use AI to write your Will?

    Should you use AI to write your will? Artificial intelligence or “AI” tools—especially those that can generate text—are becoming part of everyday life. From drafting emails to helping with research, these systems are designed to make our lives easier and more efficient. It’s no surprise, then, that some people are beginning to explore whether AI…

  • autumn budget 2025

    Autumn Budget 2025

    The Autumn Budget 2025 introduced several changes that could affect wills, inheritance tax exposure and long-term estate planning. While not all expected reforms materialised, key measures in the Autumn Budget point towards tighter reliefs and a continued focus on wealth-based taxation by the government. If you have a Will, own a business or hold agricultural property, now…

  • Keir Starmer's donkey field

    Keir Starmer’s Donkey Field

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s donkey field currently finds itself at the centre of a saga. This involves a seven-acre field, a herd of donkeys, and questions about inheritance tax avoidance. The plot thickens as critics allege that Starmer may have employed a trust to sidestep inheritance tax liabilities. The Field of Controversy In 1996, Starmer…

  • challenging a will

    Red Flags in Will Writing: Challenging a Will

    Most people approach will writing with the simple aim of leaving clear instructions and minimising stress for their loved ones. Sadly, some wills still end up being disputed, often at great emotional and financial cost to families. At Chiltern Wills, we specialise in helping clients create robust estate plans that stand up to scrutiny. In this…

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