- "In the last 20 years our business has changed considerably…and as the focus of our business has changed, Bird Luckin have moved with us."
Alex Tanner, George Tanner (Shalford) Ltd - "Bird Luckin has looked after us incredibly well for over 60 years, they are pro-active and innovational - meeting all our needs to help us achieve our aims."
Richard Stubbings, Cliffords Limited - "I can honestly say that Bird Luckin are the best firm of accountants and auditors I have ever dealt with - and I don't say that lightly!"
Colin Webb, Walthamstow Stadium - "It's important for us to know that we will always be able to contact the right people to give us the right advice and support."
Jane Bennett, Bennetts Funeral Directors - "Although we deal mainly with one Partner … we also know that if we need to contact someone else who is a specialist in another area, we can get the advice we need quickly and easily"
Jeremy Ruggles, J.S. Wright & Sons Ltd - "Bird Luckin got us to a stage which would have taken us months - if not years - to reach on our own, and they got us there in a matter of weeks"
Matthew Sullivan, SNC Ltd - "You can be a good accountant, but if you don't have an understanding of the industry it can be very difficult. "There are two or three people we have regular contact with at Bird Luckin who know our business well, and it makes a difference.""
Robert Church, W A Church (Bures) Ltd - "The work which Bird Luckin has done for Boddingtons over the past few months has helped shape our future direction for the better."
John Warner, Chief Executive, Boddingtons Ltd - "Bird Luckin has acted for us since our inception 10 years ago. They have a very 'can do' yet highly professional attitude - we are very appreciative of their support and advice over the years."
Marlon Fox, Outlook Property Ltd
Inheritance Tax (IHT)
Inheritance tax (IHT) - often referred to as 'death duties' - is a capital tax that is potentially payable when someone dies, but which may also be due on certain lifetime gifts above specific limits. It is charged on the net value of a person's estate, which is essentially the value of their assets less their liabilities, and can also be charged on gifts made during a person's lifetime.
Despite the recent downturn in the property market, the soaring property prices over the past decade still mean that IHT is no longer a worry just for the wealthy. Rising property prices have pushed huge numbers of homeowners into the IHT net, making expert tax and financial planning essential.
Many who plan to leave the family home or other assets to their children or grandchildren don't realise they could face a very real problem. For others who have an awareness of the IHT issue, there is often an understandable reluctance to take action, on the basis that 'it's a long way off and there's plenty of time to do something about it'. But planning early can be essential to obtain maximum savings, especially as plans may extend over many years. Therefore we encourage clients to discuss plans and aspirations with us at an early stage; IHT is one area where a great deal can still be achieved by careful and proper planning.
Our IHT and estate planning services provide clients with a professional approach which identifies the best options for each client's individual needs. We also ensure that clients do not lose sight of the importance of making adequate provision for themselves and their spouse in later years.
Bird Luckin Tax Director Peter Warren, who heads our IHT and estate planning service, says: "Striking this balance calls for considerable skill and foresight - and a detailed knowledge of the tax regime. Because IHT can be complicated, we will provide you with constructive and practical solutions in a clear and understandable format. Having built up wealth through your lifetime, it is never too early to start planning how you and your family can hang on to it without a high tax burden."
Our tax specialists will examine all the IHT options, and can offer advice on a range of issues including:
- how to achieve your objectives
- the 'tax cost' of taking advice
- alternative suggestions - the 'bigger' picture and comparing the tax cost
- summarising the consequences.
For further information, or for a FREE initial consultation, contact Jenny Cook on 0800 146870 or e-mail jennycook@bird-luckin.co.uk