Inheritance Tax (IHT) receipts show little sign of easing, with HM Revenue & Customs¹ figures confirming continued growth. Between April and September 2025, IHT revenues reached £4.4bn – around £100m more than the same period in 2024, a rise of 2.3%. If this trend continues, total receipts for the 2025/26 tax year could approach £8.8bn, setting yet another record. 

Looking further ahead, the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) projects that IHT revenues could climb to around £14bn by the end of the decade. This upward trajectory is likely to be reinforced by forthcoming changes taking effect from April 2027, when unused pension funds will become subject to IHT. This reform is expected to bring a larger proportion of pension wealth into the IHT net, contributing to rising receipts in the years that follow. 

For individuals with significant pension savings, the changes underline the importance of reviewing estate plans carefully. Under the new rules, beneficiaries may face an IHT charge on inherited pension funds, and the responsibility for reporting and paying any tax due will sit with personal representatives rather than pension scheme administrators. 

With the landscape shifting, taking proactive steps to structure your estate efficiently has never been more important. If you would like to discuss how these changes could affect you or your beneficiaries, we are here to help. 

¹HMRC, 2025 

It is important to take professional advice before making any decision relating to your personal finances. Information within this article is based on our current understanding and can be subject to change without notice and the accuracy and completeness of the information cannot be guaranteed. It does not provide individual tailored advice and is for guidance only. Some rules may vary in different parts of the UK.