In this episode, Leonora Stevens and Mike Hodges look at what really happens when HMRC opens an enquiry into your personal tax return. 

They discuss:
- What HMRC compliance checks actually involve
- Why enquiries are triggered
- What is the difference between aspect and full reviews
- Understand what your rights and responsibilities look like in practice. 

They also offer tips to avoid common mistakes and advice on staying organised so you’re prepared if HMRC gets in touch.

Whether you’re facing an enquiry now or simply want to understand the process, preparation and good record-keeping are key. 

If you have questions about anything discussed or need support with an HMRC enquiry, our team is here to help.

For more Private Wealth podcasts, head to: www.saffery.com/insights/podcasts/

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With a mountain of speculation prior to this year’s Budget, there was considerable concern about potential forthcoming tax changes. 

However, it could be said that the announcements made on 26 November were not as monumental as feared. Nonetheless, there was still plenty to dissect so join us in our latest podcast episode where we uncover what was announced by Rachel Reeves and consider how it will impact you. 

Leonora Stevens and Mike Hodges discuss:

• The further freezing of income tax rates,
• The new tax rates on property, savings and dividend income, 
• Pensions salary sacrifice changes,
• The new High Value Council Tax surcharge, and 
• The tax relief reduction for Employee Ownership Trusts (EOTs).

As mentioned in this podcast, you may find it useful to re-listen to our previous episodes on Family Investment Companies (FICs) and Employee Ownership Trusts (EOTs).

Additionally, don’t miss our full Budget analysis which is available on our website.

For more Private Wealth podcasts, head to: www.saffery.com/insights/podcasts/

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Tax season can feel daunting – even for the most organised of taxpayers. While many returns are simple, certain sections quickly become complex, and small mistakes can lead to stress or even penalties.

In our latest podcast episode, Leonora Stevens and Mike Hodges explore the trickier parts of a self‑assessment tax return and share practical strategies to help you stay confident and compliant.

They explore:

• Foreign income and gains – navigating double tax relief and exchange rates,
• Capital gains – property, shares, and even crypto,
• Pension contributions and reliefs – annual allowance, carry forward, tapered allowances,
• Gift Aid and charitable donations – timing matters, and
• Other key reliefs and allowances to be wary of.

Whether you’re filing for the first time or refining your approach, this episode gives you practical insights to stay ahead of deadlines and avoid costly mistakes.

For more Private Wealth podcasts, head to: www.saffery.com/insights/podcasts/

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In our latest episode, we explore the increasingly relevant topic of passing on property – whether it’s your main home, a share of it, or a second property – and the tax implications that come with it.

Our hosts Leonora Stevens and Mike Hodges discuss:

- Why more families are considering property gifts
- How rising house prices affect IHT exposure
- Key thresholds like the nil-rate and residence nil-rate bands
- The challenge of funding IHT when wealth is tied up in bricks and mortar

🎧 Listen now for practical insights and planning tips.

Please note, this episode was recorded before the UK’s Autumn Budget 2025. All information reflects the law as it stood in September 2025 and may be subject to change.

For more Private Wealth podcasts, head to: www.saffery.com/insights/podcasts/

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Thinking of retiring abroad? The latest changes to the UK’s non-dom rules might be surprisingly good news for your financial planning.

In this eye-opening discussion, our expert panel breaks down how the shift from domicile to residence-based taxation creates new opportunities for those considering an international retirement.

Tax partner Alex Britton-Davis joins hosts Leonora Stevens and Mike Hodges to explain the revolutionary change in how inheritance tax will apply to British nationals retiring overseas.

For more Private Wealth podcasts, head to: www.saffery.com/insights/podcasts/

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The world of trusts often feels complex, but at its core it's about safeguarding assets for others.

Whether you're considering setting up a trust, have been asked to serve as a trustee, or are evaluating your current arrangements, this discussion offers guidance on finding the right trustee for your specific needs.

Hosts, Leonora Stevens and Mike Hodges, are joined by Philip Radford from our Guernsey and Dubai office, and together they unpack the responsibilities of a trustee, the traits that make a good one, and whether it makes sense to appoint a trustee in the UK or an international finance centre.

From the simplest family arrangements to sophisticated international structures involving multiple asset classes, our experts explore what makes a trustee effective and how to choose the right option for your circumstances.

For more Private Wealth podcasts, head to: www.saffery.com/insights/podcasts/

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A seismic shift is looming for pensions - from April 2027, pensions will fall into a person’s chargeable estate for inheritance tax (IHT) purposes. This means any pension pots could be subject to 40% IHT.

For many years pensions were a useful way to reduce IHT liabilities, and while the legislation is pending, the changes from 2027 will mean that pensions will be treated like any other asset – potentially subject to 40% tax.

What planning options remain?

The discipline of having funds locked away until retirement can be valuable and tax advantages are still available. We uncover these and discuss the practical considerations you need to be taking on board.

As you navigate these changes, professional advice tailored to your circumstances is essential – the landscape has shifted, but with proper planning, effective strategies can still be implemented.

Visit our website at www.saffery.com to learn more about how we can help with your private wealth planning, and subscribe on your preferred podcast platform for more expert insights on protecting your family's wealth.

For more Private Wealth podcasts, head to: www.saffery.com/insights/podcasts/

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Employee Ownership Trusts (EOTs) offer business owners a compelling exit strategy where they can transfer controlling interest in their company without paying any capital gains tax (CGT).

Join Leonora Stevens and Mike Hodges as they discuss this increasingly popular exit route, that is beneficial for both owners and employees.

If you're considering an EOT, always seek professional advice tailored to your specific circumstances to navigate the complexities while maximising the benefits.

This episode was recorded in April 2025, but at the 2025 Autumn Budget on 26 November, the Chancellor announced the reduction of CGT relief on EOTs from 100% to 50% of the gain for disposals on or after 26 November 2025 so this should be noted before taking any action.

For more Private Wealth podcasts, head to: www.saffery.com/insights/podcasts/

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The inheritance tax landscape for family businesses and agricultural landowners is undergoing its most significant transformation in decades. 

Following the Autumn Budget 2024 announcements regarding changes to Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR), the government has released a consultation document addressing the application of these changes to property settled into trusts.

In our latest podcast episode, Leonora Stevens and Mike Hodges discuss:

• The key changes to APR/BPR announced in the Budget,
• Summarise the document’s key points outlined, and
• Discuss the major planning considerations and potential implications for our clients.

Understanding the nuances of these proposed reforms is essential for effective estate planning, particularly for those utilising trusts. 

Also, our Private Wealth team recently won in the prestigious Accountancy Team category at the 2025 WealthBriefing European Awards!

For more Private Wealth podcasts, head to: www.saffery.com/insights/podcasts/

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Have you recently acquired a significant amount of money? Sudden wealth can be quite overwhelming. So how can you protect and manage your assets efficiently? Join Leonora Stevens and Mike Hodges as they talk with legal expert Claire Harris, a Partner at Withers, and James Peterson, Managing Director at Rothschild & Co about the essential first steps and long-term strategies for managing a windfall.

From will planning, family communication, global mobility and philanthropy, they discuss the importance of letting the dust settle, choosing the right advisers, and creating a solid foundation.

For more Private Wealth podcasts, head to: www.saffery.com/insights/podcasts/

Saffery official website

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Email: [email protected]