Succession planning & inheritance tax
The CLA provides a range of resources to assist its members in their succession planning journey to:
- Make the process go as smoothly as it can
- Keep down the cost to members
- Help members to find a solution that works for them, their business and their family, in a tax-efficient manner.
See below for an overview of all those resources, designed for members concerned about their inheritance tax position, or who want to plan for succession.
If you're experiencing mental health difficulties or recognise signs of struggle in someone you know, remember you're not alone.
There are a number of charities that can help:
The basics
Know the difference between IHT and CGT?
Before you explore our expert guidance, it's important to make yourself aware of the correct terminology when it comes to tax and planning for the future.
Find out what the government's proposed changes to inheritance reliefs mean for you and your family in our review frequently asked questions.
How can you navigate proposed IHT changes?
Check out our succession planning FAQ page1. Getting started with succession planning
Nobody likes to talk about death, and very few enjoy thinking about succession, but these conversations are essential.
The best place to start, if you're a CLA member, is by watching our webinar below. Hear from industry experts and learn how to have that difficult discussion with your family.
CLA Webinar: How to talk about succession with your family
Learn how to have 'the succession chat' with your loved ones2. Ready for more detail?
More detailed guidance is available on a range of issues relating to inheritance tax and succession planning.
Preparing your succession: wills, trusts, powers of attorney
Inheritance tax
As a result of recent changes, many more families will need to think about inheritance tax when a family member dies. This is due to reforms of inheritance tax reliefs, agricultural property relief and business property relief from April 2026, and unused pension funds and death benefits in a person’s estate becoming liable for inheritance tax from April 2027.
There are some essential steps that have to be taken to enable the inheritance tax due to be calculated, reported to HM Revenue & Customs and paid. These are summarised in the essential guide available to download below alongside other crucial support to help you plan ahead.
Capital gains tax
Capital gains tax and reliefs explained
If you're considering making a gift of an asset, or selling something, learn the tax and the various reliefs that might applySector-specific advice
3. Exclusive access to succession planning services
To help our members we have developed CLA Succession Insurance to protect against inheritance tax relief when making a lifetime gift. In addition, CLA Members can receive a notable saving on facilitated meetings with Succession Alliance. Each organisation can help your future planning needs - however unique they are.
CLA Succession Insurance
Protect your farm and land from inheritance tax - get a free quote todayThe Succession Alliance
CLA members can benefit from 10% off the Facilitated Family Meeting service4. In-depth and step-by-step guidance
For the most in-depth coverage of particular topics, the CLA produces detailed handbooks.
Here are the most relevant guides to inheritance tax and succession planning:
Handbook CLA94 – Succession Planning
Practical succession planning guidance to farming and landowning families
This handbook will equip you to start the process and explain what you need to do and think about.
Handbook CLA96 - Business structures for farms and rural businesses
A detailed overview of the different types of business structure for landowners
With varying opportunities and constraints, considerations for each business structure can be complex.
Handbook CLA93 – Partnerships – law, tax and accounting
Get advice on partnerships for your rural enterprise
Get advice on the different aspects of legal principles, tax law and accounting practice, affecting partnership businesses.
CLA members can purchase these handbooks for a reduced price. The full range is available here.
Of course, no handbook can be a substitute for bespoke advice, such as from your own solicitors, accountants and financial planners. The CLA’s tax team can assist you with personal succession planning advice (see further below). However, with these handbooks, those conversations will be more productive.
5. Bespoke advice
If you are a CLA member entitled to bespoke advice, the CLA tax team can assist with your tax questions and provide advice on your succession planning.
Please call us on 0207 235 0511 or email advice@cla.org.uk. The more detail you can provide of your specific query and the relevant context, the quicker this can be allocated to the most appropriate member of the team to assist.
If you would like to discuss your options for succession planning, this article explains how we can assist.