IHT insights in minutes - built with advisers in mind
This calculator is for UK financial advisers only and is provided for illustrative purposes; its outputs are estimates, do not constitute tax, financial or investment advice, and may be affected by changes to IHT rules.
Eligibility reliefs cannot be guaranteed; clients should seek professional advice, and capital is at risk with any investment. Read the FAQs for a full list of risks and considerations.
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Illustrative modelling
Inheritance Tax calculated in three easy steps
Downing’s IHT planning options
Estate planning solutions are not one-size-fits-all. Our multi-solution offering enables advisers to select the option that best aligns with an investor’s individual circumstances and investment time horizon – or you can combine multiple services for a tailored approach.
Further estate planning resources
Please find resources below about other planning options for your clients'
IHT calculator FAQs
A full guide to IHT allowancesThis IHT calculator is designed to provide a clear, structured illustration of a client’s potential Inheritance Tax position based on the information entered.
It follows current (as of February 2026) UK IHT rules and reliefs, including Nil Rate Band (NRB), Residence Nil Rate Band (RNRB), Business Relief, tapering, and liabilities.
However, Inheritance Tax planning is complex and fact-specific. This tool does not replace personalised advice or professional judgement. Instead, it aims to help financial advisers quickly model scenarios, sense-check figures, and support more informed client discussions.
No - and we’re deliberately transparent about that.
This calculator is illustrative only and should not be relied upon as the sole basis for regulated advice, suitability reports, or HMRC submissions. Outputs are estimates, not definitive tax liabilities. Its purpose is to:
1. Save time in early-stage analysis
2. Highlight potential IHT exposure
3. Support planning conversations
4. Reduce manual calculations and spreadsheet errors
Final advice should always be confirmed using full fact-finds, up-to-date legislation, and professional review.
We’ve made a conscious design decision to prioritise clarity, speed, and usability over excessive complexity.
Some highly bespoke or rare scenarios are not currently included because:
1. They introduce disproportionate complexity
2. They risk reducing accuracy if misunderstood
3. They are better handled through bespoke advice
Where assumptions are made, we aim to be explicit and transparent about them. There's no hidden logic, this tool is not trying to do everything. It’s trying to do the right things well, consistently, and clearly.
We’ve built this tool specifically for how advisers actually work, not just for headline numbers.
Compared with many IHT calculators, this one:
1. Clearly separates gross estate, reliefs, allowances, and taxable estate
2. Applies NRB and RNRB in the correct order
3. Handles RNRB tapering transparently
4. Treats Business Relief assets correctly within estate totals
5. Avoids double-counting or re-using adjusted values
6. Shows workings in a way that’s easier to explain to clients
This calculator is not a finished product, it’s the start of an evolving tool built with financial advisers, not just for them.
We actively welcome feature requests, usability feedback, scenario suggestions, and logic challenges. Your real-world use helps shape future versions. If you have ideas on how we can make this faster, clearer, or more useful in day-to-day advice, please share them via the feedback form below.
Our goal is simple: to help financial advisers save time, reduce friction, and focus on advice, not admin.
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