Expert Tax Advice tailored to your circumstances

George Isaacs is the kind of adviser who explains things clearly, plans ahead on your behalf, and makes sure nothing falls through the cracks. As a qualified Tax Specialist (ACCA ATT — Association of Chartered Certified Accountants and Association of Taxation Technicians), he assists individuals and families with a wide range of tax matters.

Whether you need help with navigating the tax implications of a separation, planning your estate, or seeking advice on Capital Gains Tax, George is here to guide you.

When to Seek Tax Advice:

Before separation – to understand financial implications
During negotiations – to structure settlements efficiently
Before court orders are finalised – to avoid unintended tax consequences
After divorce – to implement and optimise your position

OUR TAX SERVICES

Tax advice during divorce and separation:

Divorce is not just a legal process; it has significant and often overlooked tax consequences. From property transfers to pension sharing and business interests, the way assets are structured can affect your tax position for years to come. We work alongside our family law team to ensure your settlement is not only fair, but tax efficient.

Tax Issues we advise on During Divorce:

Transfers of the family home (and timing for CGT reliefs)
Capital Gains Tax on investment properties
Pension sharing and tax implications
Spousal maintenance vs lump sum settlements
Business ownership and extraction of value
Stamp Duty Land Tax on property transfers
Post-divorce tax planning and restructuring

When to Seek Tax Advice:

Before separation – to understand financial implications
During negotiations – to structure settlements efficiently
Before court orders are finalised – to avoid unintended tax consequences
After divorce – to implement and optimise your position

Inheritance Tax Planning

Working alongside our wills and probate team we provide strategic IHT advice covering thresholds, reliefs, trusts and gifting to help protect your estate and pass more on to those you care about.

Common struggles:

Assuming IHT only affects the very wealthy — many families are caught unawares
Not understanding how the residence nil-rate band or spousal exemption works
Gifts made without understanding the seven-year rule and its implications
Leaving planning too late, reducing the options available

How we simplify it:

We give a clear picture of your current IHT exposure in plain terms
We explain all available reliefs and how to qualify for them
We help structure gifts, trusts and wills to reduce your estate’s liability
We review your plan regularly as your circumstances and tax rules change

Why choose us:

Personal — You will deal directly with a qualified adviser, not be passed between departments or support staff.
Clear fees — We provide transparent fee estimates at the outset so there are no surprises.
HMRC compliant — All advice and submissions are carried out in full accordance with current HMRC requirements.

Capital Gains Tax

Disposal of property, shares or business assets — including those transferred in a divorce — can trigger a CGT liability. We help you understand and manage your exposure. In divorce cases, timing is critical. Changes to Capital Gains Tax rules mean that transfers between spouses are no longer always tax-neutral after separation. Acting too late can create avoidable liabilities.

Common struggles

Not realising a CGT liability has arisen until it is too late to plan
Uncertainty about CGT on the family home, rental property or business sale
Confusion about how divorce asset transfers affect CGT positions
Not knowing which reliefs — such as Private Residence Relief — apply

How we simplify it

We identify CGT liabilities early so you can plan rather than react
We calculate your gain accurately, including all allowable costs
We advise on available reliefs to legitimately reduce what you owe
In divorce cases, we work with your family law adviser to coordinate advice

Frequently Asked Questions About Tax Services

Do I need to think about tax when going through a divorce

Yes — and sooner than most people realise. Divorce and separation can trigger a range of tax consequences, including Capital Gains Tax, Stamp Duty Land Tax and income tax implications, depending on how assets are divided. The structure and timing of your settlement can make a significant difference to the tax outcome for both parties. Taking advice early — ideally before negotiations are concluded — gives you the most options.
Is the transfer of the family home in a divorce tax-free?

Not necessarily. Transfers of the family home between separating spouses used to be treated as tax-neutral, but the rules have changed. Since April 2023, the window during which transfers can be made without a CGT charge has been extended, but it is not unlimited. The timing of the transfer, whether Private Residence Relief applies, and whether the property has been let out at any point all affect the tax position. We can advise you on the most tax-efficient way to handle the family home as part of your settlement.
What happens with CGT if we own rental or investment properties?

Investment properties do not benefit from Private Residence Relief, so a CGT liability is likely to arise on any transfer or sale as part of the divorce settlement. We can calculate your exposure accurately, advise on available reliefs, and help you structure the disposal in the most tax-efficient way possible.
Are pension transfers in divorce taxable?

Pension sharing orders are generally not subject to income tax or CGT at the point of transfer. However, the tax treatment of the pension fund once it is in payment, and the broader impact on both parties’ long-term financial position, is something that should be considered as part of overall divorce tax planning.
Does it matter whether I receive a lump sum or ongoing maintenance payments?

Yes — the tax treatment differs. Spousal maintenance payments are generally paid from taxed income and are not tax deductible for the payer, nor taxable as income for the recipient. A capital lump sum settlement, on the other hand, may have CGT implications depending on the assets involved. The right structure will depend on your individual circumstances, and we can help you understand the implications of each option before you agree to anything.
What is Stamp Duty Land Tax and does it apply in divorce?

Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) can apply to property transfers in a divorce, even where no money changes hands, if there is an outstanding mortgage on the property being transferred. The party taking on the mortgage liability may be treated as having paid consideration equal to the amount of the debt assumed, which can trigger an SDLT charge. This is a frequently overlooked area and one where early advice can avoid an unexpected bill.
Can I do any tax planning after the divorce is finalised

Yes — post-divorce tax planning is still valuable. Once the settlement is in place, we can help you review your overall tax position, consider how best to hold and manage any assets you have retained, and ensure your will and estate planning reflects your new circumstances. It is never too late to take control of your tax position.
When is Capital Gains Tax payable?

CGT arises when you sell or transfer an asset, including property, shares or business assets, that has increased in value. Early advice can significantly reduce your liability, particularly in divorce situations.
Does Inheritance Tax only affect wealthy people?

No. Rising property values mean many ordinary families now face an unexpected IHT liability. We help you understand your exposure and put a plan in place to protect your estate.