New figures from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) show a substantial rise in inheritance tax (IHT) collections in the UK, reaching £7.1 billion for the period spanning April 2025 to January 2026. This amount represents an increase of approximately £100 million compared to the corresponding period in the previous year, highlighting a persistent upward trend in IHT receipts. Experts attribute this growth primarily to the prolonged stagnation of nil-rate bands and residence nil-rate bands, coupled with significant appreciation in property values and investment portfolios over the last decade.
This sustained increase means that a growing number of households, who might not have previously considered themselves subject to IHT, are now falling within its scope. For individuals and families, the financial implications are becoming increasingly substantial, as IHT, levied at a rate of 40%, can drastically reduce the intergenerational transfer of assets. Estates valued between £3 million and £5 million, for example, could face tax liabilities exceeding £1 million without proper financial forethought and planning.
Beyond inheritance tax, HMRC's broader financial report for the same ten-month period indicates a total of £784.9 billion in gross tax and National Insurance (NI) contributions, marking a notable increase of £65.6 billion over the prior year. Specifically, inflows from Income Tax, Capital Gains Tax, and NI contributions collectively rose by £52 billion, reaching £460.7 billion. Furthermore, Value Added Tax receipts climbed by £9 billion to £154.3 billion, while stamp duty and related taxes saw an increase of £1.9 billion, totaling £17 billion. Business tax receipts also experienced growth, increasing by £1.8 billion to £81.8 billion.
These figures underscore the evolving landscape of UK taxation and the growing importance of proactive financial management. As asset values continue to rise and tax thresholds remain fixed, a greater segment of the population will need to engage with professional advice to navigate their tax obligations effectively. Strategic wealth planning is no longer a luxury but a necessity for preserving generational wealth and ensuring financial stability in a dynamic economic environment.