Service launched to protect against IHT by lending to SMEs

Investment management and corporate advisory business Seneca Partners has launched an inheritance tax (IHT) service that allows investors to protect their legacy from IHT while at the same time giving a helping hand to British businesses.

The Seneca Inheritance Tax Service uses the principles of business property relief (BPR), which was introduced in 1976 and allows investors in unquoted shares to qualify for IHT exemption once the assets have been held for two years. The service matches up investors seeking to exempt their assets from IHT with businesses that are seeking to borrow. To do this, investors buy shares in a limited company - Seneca Secured Lending - that offers short and medium-term, fully secured loans to suitable businesses. After two years, the shares should qualify for BPR and be fully exempt from...