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Estate Tax Planning Services Companies UK: Practical Guide

Choosing the right support for estate tax planning can feel overwhelming. This practical guide walks you through the landscape of estate tax planning services companies in the UK, giving you clear context without presenting any ranking.

Estate tax planning companies in the UK vary significantly. Some are larger organisations offering broad financial services, while others focus more narrowly on inheritance tax, trusts, and efficient wealth transfer strategies. Each brings different strengths depending on the complexity of your estate and your personal objectives.

In this overview, you’ll learn who these companies typically serve, how they approach estate tax planning, and what sets their expertise apart. Whether you’re an individual with substantial assets, a family business owner, or someone planning for the next generation, this guide aims to give you the practical understanding needed to compare your options and feel more confident about your next steps.

Acumon

Acumon is a chartered accountancy company based in London. It provides estate planning and probate services to private clients, business owners, families and executors across the UK. The company specialises in efficient estate administration with a strong emphasis on tax efficiency and regulatory compliance.

Acumon holds ICAEW accreditation for non-contentious probate. It follows all HMRC rules for inheritance tax and estate administration. The team supports clients throughout the UK, including the Birmingham area and other regions. Acumon combines probate administration with integrated tax planning expertise to minimise both costs and tax liabilities.

Acumon begins with a full review of the estate, will and tax position. It identifies opportunities to reduce inheritance tax using available reliefs and exemptions. The company then manages the complete process from probate application and asset valuation through to debt settlement, tax compliance and final distribution of assets to beneficiaries.

Estate Tax Planning Capabilities:

Acumon offers estate tax planning as part of its probate and estate administration services. These include:

  • Inheritance tax planning
  • Estate administration with tax efficiency
  • Asset valuation for tax purposes
  • Trust structuring guidance
  • Beneficiary distribution planning

Regulatory Authorisations:

Acumon holds key authorisations for estate work:

  • ICAEW accreditation for non-contentious probate
  • Authorisation to carry out reserved legal probate activities
  • Full compliance with HMRC inheritance tax rules

Core Estate Services:

Acumon provides the following estate-related services:

  • Estate tax planning services
  • Inheritance tax form completion
  • Probate application support
  • Estate asset valuation and management
  • Tax-efficient beneficiary distributions
  • Preparation of estate accounts

Contact Information:

Moore Kingston Smith

Moore Kingston Smith provides inheritance tax advisory services that cover planning both during a person’s lifetime and after death. The company helps clients understand the impact of passing on family assets, handling business succession arrangements, and putting in place measures for asset protection. Their team brings together tax advisers, accountants, lawyers, financial planners and a dedicated valuations specialist.

The company supports individuals, partnerships, trustees and executors, including clients with international connections. Services include guidance on trusts, succession planning, estate administration and acting as trustee or executor either alone or alongside family members. They also offer will writing backed by in-house legal expertise and carry out business valuations for company shares. The approach focuses on clear, step-by-step guidance to help clients protect assets and reflect their wishes while meeting compliance requirements.

Key Highlights:

  • Inheritance tax advice for lifetime and on death
  • Business succession planning support
  • Acting as trustee or executor
  • Will writing with legal backing
  • Business share valuations

Services:

  • Guidance on setting up and using trusts
  • Succession planning for family businesses
  • Estate administration assistance
  • Acting as attorney where needed
  • Inheritance tax mitigation options

Contact Information:

  • Website: mooreks.co.uk
  • Phone: +44 (0)20 4582 1000
  • Address: 6th Floor, 9 Appold Street, London, EC2A 2AP
  • LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/moore-kingston-smith
  • Twitter: x.com/MooreKSLLP

Withers LLP

Withers LLP advises on inheritance tax, estate planning and gift taxes with particular strength in complex and cross-border situations. The company helps clients structure the transfer of wealth across generations while addressing tax implications in multiple jurisdictions. Their work often involves assets located in different countries and the interaction between UK and foreign tax rules.

Clients include UK residents, non-domiciled individuals and international families. The company provides advice on lifetime gifting, the use of flexible trusts, family limited partnerships and other structures to manage inheritance tax exposure. They also support post-death planning, estate administration for multi-jurisdictional estates and securing HMRC clearances. The practice regularly deals with reliefs such as business property relief and helps prevent double taxation through careful planning.

Key Highlights:

  • Cross-border inheritance tax advice
  • Estate planning for international families
  • Gift tax and lifetime transfer support
  • Post-death tax planning

Services:

  • Structuring wills and trusts for tax efficiency
  • Advice on business property relief
  • Support with multi-jurisdictional estates
  • Guidance on avoiding double taxation
  • Lifetime gifting strategies
  • Estate administration in complex cases

Contact Information:

  • Website: www.withersworldwide.com
  • Phone: +44 20 7597 6000
  • Email: enquiries.uk@withersworldwide.com
  • Address: 20 Old Bailey, London, EC4M 7AN, UK
  • LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/witherslegal
  • Instagram: www.instagram.com/witherslegal

Evelyn Partners

Evelyn Partners offers advice on inheritance tax and estate planning to help clients pass assets to the next generation while managing the potential tax impact. The company works with individuals who want to make gifts during their lifetime or arrange affairs for after death, always considering how to maintain their own financial security. They use cashflow modelling to show what level of gifting is affordable without affecting lifestyle or future care needs.

The approach combines estate planning with wider financial planning. Services cover the use of exemptions and reliefs, including the nil rate band and residence nil rate band, together with practical tools such as trusts and life insurance written in trust. The company also discusses options around pensions and investments that may qualify for business relief. Planning usually starts with a calculation of current estate value and projected future tax liabilities.

Key Highlights:

  • Inheritance tax and estate planning advice
  • Cashflow modelling for gifting decisions
  • Support with trusts and exemptions
  • Integration with overall financial planning

Services:

  • Advice on making lifetime gifts
  • Setting up trusts for asset control
  • Using life insurance in trust
  • Exploring pension inheritance options
  • Guidance on business relief investments
  • Calculating potential inheritance tax exposure

Contact Information:

  • Website: www.evelyn.com
  • Email: matthew.spencer@evelyn.com
  • Phone: +44 (0)20 7131 4000
  • Address: 45 Gresham Street, London, EC2V 7BG, United Kingdom
  • LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/evelynpartners
  • Facebook: www.facebook.com/evelynpartners
  • Twitter: x.com/evelynpartners
  • Instagram: www.instagram.com/evelynpartners

Grant Thornton

Grant Thornton UK delivers trust and estate planning services focused on the tax and compliance aspects for both individuals and trustees. The company supports clients throughout the life of a trust or estate, from initial setup to ongoing management and eventual distributions. Their team attends trustee meetings to provide practical input on tax and regulatory matters.

The service includes preparation of trust accounts, tax forecasting and advice around key events that affect inheritance tax. Clients receive guidance on how changes to trust terms or distributions can influence tax outcomes. The company works with trustees who need clear, ongoing support to meet their responsibilities while keeping arrangements compliant and tax-efficient.

Key Highlights:

  • Trust and estate tax support
  • Trustee meeting attendance
  • Practical compliance guidance
  • Tax forecasting for trusts

Services:

  • Preparation of trust accounts
  • Advice on inheritance tax at key events
  • Support during trustee meetings
  • Tax forecasts and projections
  • Guidance on trust distributions
  • Assistance with changes to trust terms

Contact Information:

  • Website: www.grantthornton.co.uk
  • Phone: +44 (0)151 224 7200
  • Email: dan.j.dickinson@uk.gt.com
  • Address: Royal Liver Building, Liverpool, L3 1PS
  • LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/grant-thornton-uk
  • Instagram: www.instagram.com/gt_trainees

Irwin Mitchell

Irwin Mitchell provides advice on inheritance tax planning to help individuals arrange their affairs in a tax-efficient way. The company supports clients with using available reliefs and allowances, managing lifetime gifts and handling the rules around potentially exempt transfers. Their service covers complex situations involving business owners, farmers and those with assets overseas.

The company also advises on the use of different trust structures and the preparation of inheritance tax-efficient wills. They assist with deeds of variation after death and can help with appeals against HMRC decisions. Irwin Mitchell works closely with other professionals to deliver integrated solutions that reflect personal wishes while addressing tax implications. The approach includes estate administration and support for non-UK domiciled individuals or long-term UK residents.

Key Highlights:

  • Advice on lifetime gifts and transfers
  • Support with trust structures
  • Deeds of variation after death
  • Wills drafted for tax efficiency
  • Estate administration assistance

Services:

  • Guidance on available reliefs and exemptions
  • Planning for business and agricultural property
  • Setting up family investment companies
  • Preparation of inheritance tax returns
  • Advice for international clients
  • Support with philanthropy integration

Contact Information:

  • Website: www.irwinmitchell.com
  • Email: customersupport@irwinmitchell.com
  • Phone: 08082718429
  • Address: The Northcliffe, 28 Tudor Street, Temple, London, EC4Y 0AY
  • LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/irwin-mitchell
  • Facebook: www.facebook.com/irwinmitchellsolicitors
  • Twitter: x.com/irwinmitchell
  • Instagram: www.instagram.com/irwin_mitchell

Ashtons Legal

Ashtons Legal offers inheritance tax planning services through a review of personal circumstances and family needs. The company helps clients arrange their affairs using legal tools to reduce potential tax liabilities. Their solicitors focus on practical solutions that protect assets for future generations.

The practice works with business owners and those planning for retirement by combining estate planning with succession considerations. They create bespoke documents that align with individual wishes and incorporate available tax efficiencies. Ashtons Legal also collaborates with other advisers to avoid duplication and deliver coordinated advice.

Key Highlights:

  • Comprehensive estate review
  • Asset protection strategies
  • Business succession support
  • Retirement planning integration

Services:

  • Drafting of tax-efficient wills
  • Advice and setup of various trusts
  • Recommendations on lifetime gifts
  • Creation of powers of attorney
  • Support with business relief options
  • Succession planning for family businesses

Contact Information:

  • Website: www.ashtonslegal.co.uk
  • Phone: 01223 363111
  • Email: enquiries@ashtonslegal.co.uk
  • Address: 77-81 Newmarket Road, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB5 8EU
  • LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/ashtonslegal
  • Facebook: www.facebook.com/AshtonsLegalUK
  • Instagram: www.instagram.com/ashtonslegal

Weightmans

Weightmans delivers guidance on inheritance tax as part of wider estate planning. The company reviews all aspects of a client’s situation, including business arrangements and family circumstances, to identify practical ways to manage tax exposure. Their advice considers both lifetime steps and arrangements needed after death.

The service includes preparing reports that show current tax position and possible mitigation routes. Weightmans supports clients with making gifts in a tax-efficient manner and using trusts where appropriate, especially for vulnerable beneficiaries or those on means-tested benefits. They also advise on inheritance tax planning within wills and options available through deeds of variation.

Key Highlights:

  • Holistic estate planning approach
  • Guidance on gifting strategies
  • Trust advice for specific situations
  • Post-death planning options

Services:

  • Preparation of bespoke estate planning reports
  • Advice on making lifetime gifts
  • Inheritance tax planning within wills
  • Use of deeds of variation
  • Guidance on trusts for vulnerable beneficiaries
  • Support with normal expenditure out of income

Contact Information:

  • Website: www.weightmans.com
  • Phone: +44 (0)345 073 9900
  • Email: careers@weightmans.com
  • Address: The Hallmark Building, 105 Fenchurch Street, London, EC3M 5JG
  • LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/weightmans
  • Facebook: www.facebook.com/weightmansllp
  • Instagram: www.instagram.com/weightmans_law

Boodle Hatfield

Boodle Hatfield advises on trust and succession planning with consideration of inheritance tax implications. The company supports clients in structuring wealth transfer across generations while addressing tax, legal and family governance matters. Their service covers both UK and international aspects of estate planning.

The practice helps with drafting documents that reflect personal objectives such as business continuity, retirement plans or philanthropic goals. Boodle Hatfield works alongside other advisers to create coordinated strategies for wealth preservation. They also assist with estate administration involving complex trusts or overseas assets.

Key Highlights:

  • Trust and succession planning
  • Lifetime giving advice
  • Family governance support
  • International estate expertise

Services:

  • Drafting of tax-efficient wills
  • Creation and structuring of trusts
  • Guidance on lifetime gifting
  • Estate administration for complex cases
  • Advice on lasting powers of attorney
  • Support with philanthropic planning

Contact Information:

  • Website: www.boodlehatfield.com
  • Phone: +44 (0)20 7629 7411
  • Email: bh@boodlehatfield.com
  • Address: 240 Blackfriars Road, London, SE1 8NW, DX 53 Chancery Lane
  • LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/boodle-hatfield-llp
  • Instagram: www.instagram.com/boodlehatfield

Forsters LLP

Forsters LLP specialises in cross-border estate planning between the UK and the US. The company advises clients with connections in both countries on inheritance tax and succession matters that involve assets or family members across jurisdictions. Their private wealth team handles situations such as US citizens moving to the UK or UK residents with US ties.

The company drafts wills that take into account both UK inheritance tax and US estate tax rules. They also assist with the creation and administration of trusts, family partnerships and life insurance structures designed for clients with dual exposure. Forsters LLP supports pre-arrival planning before relocation, helps with international estate administration and provides guidance on pre-nuptial agreements in a cross-border context. Their work includes mitigating risks of double taxation and managing complex trust issues involving both legal systems.

Key Highlights:

  • Cross-border UK-US estate planning
  • Succession planning for international families
  • Trust formation and administration
  • Pre-arrival tax planning

Services:

  • Drafting of wills for dual jurisdiction
  • Structuring of trusts and family partnerships
  • Advice on life insurance in trust
  • International estate administration
  • Guidance on charitable giving across borders
  • Support with incapacity planning

Contact Information:

  • Website: www.forsters.co.uk
  • Phone: +44 207 863 8333
  • Address: 22 Baker Street, London, W1U 3BW
  • LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/forsters
  • Facebook: www.facebook.com/ForstersLLP
  • Instagram: www.instagram.com/forstersllp

Armstrong Watson

Armstrong Watson offers inheritance tax advice as part of their financial planning and wealth management services. The company works with individuals and families to review assets and explore ways to manage potential tax liabilities when passing wealth to the next generation. They collaborate with personal tax specialists and solicitors to align planning with personal objectives.

Their approach includes examining existing wills and suggesting updates where needed. Armstrong Watson discusses lifetime gifts, the use of trusts and how to make the most of available reliefs such as those for business or agricultural property. The company also considers how pensions fit into overall estate arrangements and helps clients understand the residence nil rate band. Planning often involves looking at both current circumstances and future changes in the tax landscape.

Key Highlights:

  • Inheritance tax advice combined with financial planning
  • Review of wills and objectives
  • Support with reliefs and exemptions
  • Consideration of pension funds

Services:

  • Asset review and liability calculations
  • Advice on lifetime gifting strategies
  • Guidance on the use of trusts
  • Maximising business and agricultural reliefs
  • Updating wills with solicitors
  • Planning around the residence nil rate band

Contact Information:

  • Website: www.armstrongwatson.co.uk
  • Phone: 0113 221 1300
  • Email: steven.williams@armstrongwatson.co.uk
  • Address: Third Floor 10 South Parade Leeds LS1 5QS
  • LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/armstrong-watson
  • Facebook: www.facebook.com/armstrongwatson
  • Twitter: x.com/armstrongwatson
  • Instagram: www.instagram.com/armstrongwatsonllp

Alexander & Co.

Alexander & Co. provides inheritance tax planning services with a focus on holistic estate and succession strategies. The company reviews personal assets, business interests and family situations to develop tailored approaches for passing wealth efficiently. They support clients including business owners and those with international elements in their affairs.

The practice advises on the use of family investment companies and various trust structures for asset protection and generational transfer. Alexander & Co. also handles compliance matters such as preparing inheritance tax returns and liaising with HMRC when required. Their advice covers lifetime gifts, charitable donations and options for business property relief, taking into account upcoming changes to relief limits.

Key Highlights:

  • Holistic estate and succession planning
  • Advice for business owners
  • Support with international aspects
  • Compliance and HMRC liaison

Services:

  • Review of existing wills for tax efficiency
  • Setup of family investment companies
  • Establishment and management of trusts
  • Guidance on lifetime gifts and transfers
  • Advice on business property relief
  • Support with charitable donations

Contact Information:

  • Website: alexander.co.uk
  • Phone: 0161 832 4841
  • Email: info@alexander.co.uk
  • Address: The Harley Building, 77 New Cavendish Street, London W1W 6XB
  • LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/alexander-&-co-chartered-accountants
  • Twitter: x.com/alexandercoMCR

Perrys Chartered Accountants

Perrys Chartered Accountants delivers inheritance tax planning services aimed at minimising liabilities on estates. The company reviews assets such as property, savings, pensions and business interests to identify opportunities using available thresholds and reliefs. They work with clients to structure arrangements that help wealth pass according to personal wishes.

Advice covers lifetime gifting with consideration of exemption rules and tapering periods. Perrys also supports the creation of wills and the use of trusts to control how assets are distributed and protected. The company provides guidance on probate processes and estate administration to ensure smooth handling after death. Their service includes regular reviews to keep plans aligned with changing family or financial circumstances.

Key Highlights:

  • Lifetime inheritance tax planning
  • Wills and trust advice
  • Probate and estate administration support
  • Asset review for relief opportunities

Services:

  • Advice on making lifetime gifts
  • Drafting and reviewing wills
  • Setting up trusts for asset protection
  • Guidance on business property relief
  • Support with probate processes
  • Application of nil rate band and residence nil rate band

Contact Information:

  • Website: perrysaccountants.co.uk
  • Phone: 020 7408 4442
  • Email: admin.mailbox@perry-company.co.uk
  • Address: 4th Floor, 399-401 Strand, London, WC2R 0LT
  • LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/perrys
  • Facebook: www.facebook.com/perryscharteredaccountants
  • Twitter: x.com/PerrysAccs

David Howard

David Howard offers inheritance tax services to help clients reduce potential liabilities and protect family assets. The company reviews personal circumstances and suggests practical ways to use available reliefs and exemptions when passing on wealth. Their specialists work alongside solicitors and financial advisers to create coordinated strategies.

The approach includes guidance on lifetime gifting and the seven-year rule together with setting up trusts and family investment companies. David Howard also covers planning for property, main residence relief and business or agricultural assets. They provide recommendations on life assurance policies placed in trust and conduct regular plan reviews to keep arrangements up to date. The service aims to deliver clear, straightforward advice tailored to each client’s estate and family situation.

Key Highlights:

  • Lifetime gifting guidance
  • Trust and company structuring
  • Business and agricultural relief support
  • Property and residence planning
  • Life assurance in trust

Services:

  • Review of current estate exposure
  • Advice on available exemptions
  • Setup of family investment companies
  • Planning for business property relief
  • Recommendations on life policies
  • Regular strategy reviews

Contact Information:

  • Website: www.davidhoward.co.uk
  • Phone: 01932 855644
  • Email: enquiries@davidhoward.co.uk
  • Address: 5 The Square, Bagshot, GU19 5AX
  • LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/david-howard-chartered-accountants
  • Facebook: www.facebook.com/David-Howard-Chartered-Accountants-842601252494382
  • Twitter: x.com/DavidHowardCA

Page Kirk

Page Kirk conducts a full review of estates to identify potential inheritance tax exposure and suitable mitigation options. The company prepares a personal balance sheet that lists all assets and liabilities to give clients a clear picture of their position. They focus on early planning to make the most of available allowances and reliefs.

Their advice covers lifetime gifts, potentially exempt transfers and the transfer of unused allowances between spouses or civil partners. Page Kirk also discusses charitable donations and ways to increase the residence nil rate band by leaving a home to direct descendants. The company supports executors during estate administration, including options for paying tax in installments where appropriate. A dedicated manager handles each case to keep the process straightforward.

Key Highlights:

  • Full estate exposure review
  • Personal balance sheet preparation
  • Spousal allowance transfer advice
  • Charity donation guidance
  • Executor support during administration

Services:

  • Identification of reliefs and exemptions
  • Advice on lifetime gifts and transfers
  • Recommendations on trusts
  • Planning to maximise residence nil rate band
  • Support with regular payments out of income
  • Guidance on paying inheritance tax in instalments

Contact Information:

  • Website: www.pagekirk.co.uk
  • Phone: 0115 955 5500
  • Email: enquiries@pagekirk.co.uk
  • Address: Sherwood House, 7 Gregory Boulevard, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG7 6LB
  • LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/page-kirk-llp
  • Facebook: www.facebook.com/pagekirk
  • Twitter: x.com/pagekirkllp

Apex Accountants

Apex Accountants supports clients with estate planning that includes strategies to manage inheritance tax liabilities. The company helps prepare clear wills and establish trusts to control how assets pass to beneficiaries. They also assist with lasting powers of attorney and planning for later life care costs.

Their service covers lifetime trusts, support for vulnerable beneficiaries and international estate matters where clients hold assets abroad or foreign investors own UK property. Apex Accountants provides guidance on gifting strategies and business succession arrangements. The company works with clients to register trusts correctly and reviews plans regularly as circumstances change. Probate support forms part of the overall estate handling process.

Key Highlights:

  • Wills and trust preparation
  • Support for vulnerable beneficiaries
  • International estate guidance
  • Later life care fee planning
  • Business succession arrangements

Services:

  • Drafting of lifetime trusts
  • Advice on lasting power of attorney
  • Strategies for lifetime gifting
  • Trust registration with HMRC
  • Probate and asset distribution support
  • Planning to protect state benefits

Contact Information:

  • Website: apexaccountants.tax
  • Phone: 0203 883 4777
  • Email: info@apexaccountants.tax
  • Address: 84a Queen’s Rd Buckhurst Hill IG9 5BS
  • LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/apexaccountants
  • Facebook: www.facebook.com/Apex-Accountants-and-Tax-101397661495366
  • Twitter: x.com/apexaccountant1
  • Instagram: www.instagram.com/apex_accountants

Conclusion

Choosing the right estate tax planning services company in the UK ultimately depends on the size and complexity of your estate, your family circumstances, and the specific goals you want to achieve. Some companies offer a broad, integrated approach that combines multiple areas of expertise, while others focus more narrowly on inheritance tax, trusts, or cross-border matters.

There is no single solution that fits every situation. The right partner delivers independent assurance and practical steps to reduce risks and support resilience.

This guide was written to provide clear, neutral context about how different companies work and what they typically offer. Use it as a starting point to compare your options and find the support that best matches your needs.