IHT draft legislation: Family farms may now sell assets to pay tax liabilities

Law firm Wedlake Bell said Inheritance Tax changes could also penalise vulnerable families and those without the means to undertake complex estate planning

Chris Brayford
clock • 2 min read
Simon Blackburn, head of agriculture, rural and landed estates at law firm Wedlake Bell, said: "Over time, this may compel some farming families to sell assets to meet tax liabilities, potentially undermining the scale and sustainability of their operations - particularly in the context of diminishing subsidies."
Image:

Simon Blackburn, head of agriculture, rural and landed estates at law firm Wedlake Bell, said: "Over time, this may compel some farming families to sell assets to meet tax liabilities, potentially undermining the scale and sustainability of their operations - particularly in the context of diminishing subsidies."

Impending changes to Inheritance Tax could see farmers facing the reality of selling their generational family businesses in order to pay a tax bill. In response to the publication of the Government's...

To continue reading...

Already a member? Login for full access.

Login

New to Farmers Guardian? Register for 1 free article per week or become a member for unlimited access to essential farming news and insights.

article-img-580x358

 

More on Politics

Iran War: Trump urged to protect farmers from food supply shocks

Iran War: Trump urged to protect farmers from food supply shocks

Can US President Donald Trump help protect farmers from disruption to supply chains after Iran threatened to blockade oil tankers which need to pass through the Strait of Hormuz?

Chris Brayford
clock 10 March 2026 • 4 min read
EXCLUSIVE - Ann Davies: "The future of this industry depends on who farms next"

EXCLUSIVE - Ann Davies: "The future of this industry depends on who farms next"

Caerfyrddin MP Ann Davies has urged the Government not to target future generations of hardworking farmers through changes to Inheritance Tax. She said the future of farming relies on being able to pass on the family farm through succession

Ann Davies
clock 10 March 2026 • 3 min read
Letter: As the High Court Hearing on the proposed changes to IHT approaches, the lead claimant says "the story must be what happens inside the courtroom"

Letter: As the High Court Hearing on the proposed changes to IHT approaches, the lead claimant says "the story must be what happens inside the courtroom"

Tom Martin, the lead claimant, has asked that those arriving in London to support the hearing do not bring tractors, horns or inflammatory banners

Tom Martin
clock 07 March 2026 • 1 min read