Inheritance Tax, Business Property Relief, and pension rules are about to shift in significant ways.

The changes will affect business owners, families, and the advisers who support them, and the impact will be felt across estate planning, valuations, and long-term tax strategy.

For accountants, financial planners, and lawyers, the challenge is twofold: understanding the technical detail and helping clients act early.

Many clients delay decisions, yet the new rules mean timing, structure, and coordination matter more than ever.

Clear valuations, updated withdrawal strategies, and well-managed trusts and wills will all play a bigger role in protecting assets and reducing risk.

This piece outlines the key themes advisers need to prepare for - from tackling client inertia to rethinking pensions and succession planning - and why joined-up advice will be essential over the next two years.

1. Understand the Changes

From April 2026 and 2027, BPR and APR will move from full relief to a 20% tax rate above certain thresholds. Pensions will now form part of the taxable estate. Business owners need to act early, and advisers should guide clients on the impact for their estates and succession plans.

2. Tackle Client Inertia

Many clients delay succession planning. Advisors should prompt clients to act and address uncertainties to protect business value and limit tax risks.

3. Assess Business Value and Risk

Business and property valuations are central to IHT planning. Advisors should help clients review valuations, plan liquidity, and use life cover to manage tax liabilities.

4. Rethink Pension Planning

With pensions now taxable, withdrawal strategies need review. Drawing from pensions sooner can reduce taxes and fit them into broader succession and estate plans.

5. Review Trusts and Wills

Trusts and wills remain critical. Use allowances wisely and settle assets early to lower future taxes and benefit from transitional rules.‍

Collaboration matters

These changes show why collaboration across professional services matters. When accountants, planners, and lawyers collaborate, clients get clear, coordinated advice and better results.

RQ makes collaboration easy by connecting professionals, streamlining referrals, and providing visibility across firms. This enables advisers to guide clients quickly, confidently, and compliantly.

By planning early and working together, clients can protect assets, reduce tax risks, and secure their legacy.

IHT, BR and pension changes - what you need to know

We explored these developments in depth during a recent webinar with industry experts, where the discussion focused on what firms should be doing now to help clients plan with confidence.