Investments

Advice is required on the use of trusts both generally and to hold investment properties. The availability of the inheritance tax nil-rate band on a rolling seven-year basis is confirmed, but a suggestion that investment properties should be transferred to a company and the shares into trust seems less advisable

The government has published a consultation on allowing company shares traded on a wider range of equity markets to be eligible for a stocks and shares individual savings account (ISA).

The measure was mooted in the autumn statement, the idea being to include markets with a component of smaller company shares and encourage investment in these smaller entities. Comments should be submitted by email no later than 8 May 2013.

P Saund (TC2400)

Joost Lobler (TC2539)

A farmer owns farmland from which he trades, but his father owns the farmhouse itself. Does the Hanson case have implications for the availability of agricultural property relief in respect of the house?

The government provides valuable reliefs for pension premiums, but complications can arise

John Mander Pension Scheme Trustees Ltd v CRC, Upper Tribunal (Tax and Chancery Chamber)

...investment bond: how not to let the sky fall on tax planning