Estimate your inheritance tax, understand how the allowances work, and see the legitimate ways families reduce it.
Start here — the calculator is free ▾Add up roughly what you own. We'll apply the 2025/26 allowances and show what, if anything, might be taxable. Estimates only — nothing is stored.
Couples can pass everything to each other tax-free, and combine their allowances — effectively up to £1m together.
Your main residence. Leave blank if you rent.
Bank accounts, ISAs, premium bonds.
Shares, funds, GIAs. Not pensions.
Cars, valuables, second properties, business assets.
Outstanding mortgage, loans, credit cards. Reduces the estate.
See the note below before filling this in.
Today, most defined-contribution pensions sit outside your estate for inheritance tax. From 6 April 2027, unused pension funds are expected to be brought into the estate. Use the toggle below to see both scenarios.
Based on 2025/26 allowances. Illustrative only — the real figure depends on your full circumstances and the rules at the time.
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These are the legitimate, widely-used levers. They range from simple things you can do yourself to strategies that genuinely need professional advice. None of this is a recommendation — it's a map of the territory.
Aggressive inheritance tax avoidance schemes are routinely challenged by HMRC and can leave your family worse off. The levers above are mainstream and well-established. Anything promising to make a large estate disappear from tax overnight deserves deep scepticism and independent advice.
This tool provides general information about UK inheritance tax, not personal financial, tax or legal advice. Figures use 2025/26 rates and allowances (nil-rate band £325,000; residence nil-rate band £175,000; both frozen to April 2031). It does not account for business or agricultural relief, trusts, lifetime gifts already made, the residence nil-rate band taper interaction with large estates in every case, or your full circumstances. Inheritance tax rules are changing — pensions are expected to enter scope from April 2027 and business/agricultural reliefs are being reformed from April 2026. Always confirm with HMRC, a solicitor, or a qualified adviser before acting. Source: GOV.UK / HMRC.