Few people relish the legal and financial chores that arise from administering a deceased person’s estate, not least because it is an obligation that usually falls to a person’s nearest and dearest as they are grieving.
Given the legal basis of probate – literally, the ‘proving’ of an individual’s will by a court so that matters of inheritance can be settled – it is common to hire a lawyer to take on the task. However, there are a smaller number of accountancy firms licensed to provide probate services. Xeinadin is one of them.
Choosing an accountant over a lawyer to handle probate offers several benefits, especially where Inheritance Tax (IHT) and other financial matters need to be considered. Here’s how our probate services can help you through the process.
Probate Has Significant Tax Implications
Probate is the legal process that confirms an executor’s authority to distribute the deceased’s assets. It therefore has a very obvious financial as well as legal slant. And part of this is how closely tied up it is with tax considerations, most notably IHT, but also capital gains tax (CGT).
Our team includes specialists with dual qualifications in tax and probate, ensuring your case is in expert hands. For example, if the deceased owned a business, our probate team has the expertise and experience to manage the sale of assets efficiently to ensure the estate’s tax liabilities are minimised.
Inheritance Tax Isn’t an Afterthought
Inheritance tax can feel like a minefield, but planning ahead can make all the difference. We offer estate planning and probate services under one roof, meaning we can help clients make their estates as task-efficient as possible while they are alive, and then assist their families in handling probate with full knowledge of their affairs. This saves time, effort and cost, and leads to better outcomes.
We can also advise on deeds of variation – a legal document that allows beneficiaries to alter a will after someone has passed – to help reduce future tax liabilities. With our guidance, you can navigate complex scenarios and make informed decisions, ensuring the estate’s legacy is protected.
Tailored Services to Suit Your Needs
While we are uniquely positioned to provide ‘full service’ estate planning, IHT and probate assistance, we’re very much guided by what each client wants and needs. Whether you need comprehensive end-to-end support or just a helping hand filling out the considerable amount of paperwork required for probate, we can provide as much or as little assistance as you require. This flexibility ensures you remain in control while benefiting from expert guidance.
Cost-Effective and Transparent
One of the most common concerns about probate is cost. We provide clear and upfront quotes based on the complexity of the estate. Importantly, the estate pays for our services, so executors aren’t personally out of pocket. This transparency ensures you can focus on what matters most without financial worry.
Friendly Support at a Difficult Time
Finally, we understand how daunting the probate process can feel for surviving spouses and children at such a sad and challenging time. Above all else, our team is committed to providing a compassionate and approachable service, tailored to your unique needs and focused on making the process run as smoothly as possible.
If we’re already your accountant, we will already have a detailed understanding of the estate, making the process faster and less stressful. As a small team, we prioritise building personal relationships, so you’ll always know exactly who you’re dealing with. This continuity ensures you feel supported and understood every step of the way.
Final Thoughts
It’s not common for accountants to hold probate licenses in the UK. This makes our service unique. Our combination of probate expertise, tax qualifications, and financial acumen means we can provide a seamless, comprehensive service. Whether it’s navigating the administrative side of probate, managing inheritance tax, or handling ongoing financial needs, we’re equipped to support you in every aspect of the process.
Get in touch to find out more.