| News
Farming families warned of ‘ crippling ’ tax bills
Farmers across the UK risk leaving their children with ‘ crippling ’ tax bills after they die , one of the county ’ s leading rural lawyers has warned .
H elen Gough , an associate at Worcestershire law firm mfg Solicitors , says complex rules for inheriting agricultural land and buildings will see the Inland Revenue take more than it otherwise would need to , unless farmers plan ahead .
Ms Gough , part of mfg ’ s awardwinning Agricultural and Rural Affairs division , has urged farmers to consider their succession planning and whether their current business arrangements are suitable for the long-term interests of their family as well as being as tax efficient as possible .
“ Without that careful tax and succession planning , there is a very real risk that those inheriting farms and agricultural property will not only be left with a crippling tax bill but they may also have to face a dispute over who is entitled to what .”
“ It is no exaggeration to say hundreds of thousands of pounds can be saved if planning is done early enough , and there is no price tag that can be attached to the peace of mind that such planning can bring .” she said .
“ Without that careful tax and succession planning , there is a very real risk that those inheriting farms and agricultural property will not only be left with a crippling tax bill but they may also have to face a dispute over who is entitled to what .”
Ms Gough , a regular spokesperson on rural issues , said farmers must work with their children to establish what each member of the family actually wants and what they are working towards , as well as the future of the farming business . She said this ‘ creates certainty ’ and strengthens the next generation ’ s commitment , avoiding heartbreak and litigation after parents have died .
She added : “ If things go wrong , then as well as the tax bill the farm may have to be split up and sold off , while families are broken apart by dispute and legal costs .
“ Effective planning is not hugely
expensive and it ensures that everyone knows where they stand . Some people still think it isn ’ t a good topic to talk about , much in the same way as a pre-nuptial agreement before a marriage , but it is about fairness , protecting
Helen Gough
assets in the long-term and once the plan is in place , everyone can get on with their lives and concentrate on running a successful business .
“ You cannot start planning too early .”
06 | Farming Monthly | September 2016 www . farmingmonthly . co . uk