High-net-worth tax planning in London can involve residence and domicile, estates, trusts, property, cross-border income and business interests. This guide compares 10 firms whose publicly described services are relevant to private-client tax planning.
For direct support, Pearl Lemon Accountants can help review how residence, property, investment income, business ownership, trusts and estate considerations interact within a wider tax plan. Book a call to discuss your tax-planning requirements.
Family and Cross-Border Tax Planning for HNWIs
High-net-worth tax planning often becomes more complex when wealth spans companies, property, trusts, family members and more than one jurisdiction. Cross-border estate planning can require residence and domicile analysis, inheritance-tax planning, foreign-income reporting and coordination with legal advisers in multiple countries.
What should a high-net-worth family expect from a tax adviser?
A useful adviser should map the tax position across the family and relevant entities, explain where reporting obligations sit, model major events such as disposals or succession, and coordinate with lawyers and regulated investment advisers where their expertise is required. Tax planning should not be confused with regulated investment advice.
We considered service scope, London relevance and the breadth of private-client and cross-border tax support described publicly. Disclosure: Pearl Lemon Accountants publishes this comparison and appears in it; verify current credentials, pricing and availability directly with each firm.
High-net-worth tax planning in 2026: what an adviser should examine first
Private-client tax planning should start with a current fact pattern—not an off-the-shelf list of tax-saving products. An adviser needs to map residence history, family members, UK and overseas assets, business interests, trusts and planned liquidity events. Different taxes may apply to income, gains, gifts, inheritance and entities, and actions that work for one objective can create exposure elsewhere.
Important change: UK inheritance tax and long-term residence
For events from 6 April 2025, the UK moved from domicile-based inheritance-tax scope to rules based on long-term UK residence, subject to transitional provisions. Older articles discussing ‘deemed domicile’ as the ongoing inheritance-tax test may now mislead readers. The correct answer depends on residence history and the date of the relevant transfer or death. See HMRC’s current long-term-residence guidance.
Before you engage a London private-client tax specialist
- Residence timeline: document countries of residence, arrival and departure dates, and the tax years involved.
- Asset and entity map: list properties, companies, partnerships, trusts, major investments and beneficial ownership.
- Upcoming events: identify disposals, business exits, transfers, inheritances, relocation or new investment rounds before they occur.
- Cross-border coordination: confirm which adviser assesses each jurisdiction, double-taxation relief and reporting requirements.
- Written deliverables: request a documented risk analysis, scenarios, assumptions and an implementation plan with responsibilities.
What is different about a good tax-planning engagement?
Ask what is included: a one-off review, tax computations, implementation, returns, liaison with overseas professionals and annual monitoring. An adviser should distinguish tax planning from regulated financial advice and legal drafting and involve suitably qualified professionals when those services are needed. Do not rely on a quoted saving without the assumptions and potential costs documented.
To discuss a UK or cross-border tax position, book an initial tax-planning call. Bring a summary of the jurisdictions, assets and decisions involved; do not send sensitive documents through an unverified channel.
When to use an international tax specialist
Private-client planning can depend on overseas income, residence history and foreign entities. If those are the central questions, compare advisers with more explicitly cross-border experience: international tax accountants in London.
1. Pearl Lemon Accountants: Engineering Wealth Protection
Pearl Lemon Accountants specializes in strategies that help high net worth clients keep more of what they earn and pass it on efficiently. Whether you’re navigating property sales in Mayfair or structuring a family trust, we focus on solutions tailored to your financial complexity.
Our Core Services Include:
- Inheritance Tax Optimization: Safeguard your estate with our innovative relief strategies.
- Capital Gains Tax Planning: Review disposals, ownership structures and available reliefs for UK and international assets.
- Non-Domicile Taxation Expertise: Navigate complex UK rules seamlessly.
London-specific context: Many of our clients are international investors in London’s luxury real estate market. We offer strategies that comply with both UK and international tax regulations, ensuring you avoid pitfalls while capitalizing on incentives.
2. TaxQube: Pinpoint Precision in Tax Matters
TaxQube uses systems built to identify gaps and opportunities in tax planning. Their specialists often work with business owners juggling multiple income streams.
Key Services:
- Structuring Business Tax Strategies
- Handling HMRC Investigations
- Optimizing R&D Tax Credit Claims
- Capital Allowances
3. RSM UK: Expert Guidance for Family Wealth
Known for handling private client wealth, RSM UK helps families avoid unnecessary tax erosion. They’re skilled in areas like setting up FamilySight® platforms that connect wealth planning with day-to-day decision-making.
Key Services:
- Structuring Family Investment Companies
- Cross-Border Tax Planning
- Wealth Reporting Tools
- Property Tax
4. Xeinadin Group
Xeinadin maintains a strong presence in London, with a dedicated West End office providing specialist support in areas like R&D tax credits, inheritance planning, and cross-border matters. Their team includes partners known for delivering clear, consistent advice—especially when clients manage complex revenue flows or consider long-term financial shifts.
For individuals navigating property taxes or high-income scenarios, Xeinadin offers proactive tax planning, including pension strategy, inheritance tax relief, and capital gains optimization. Supported by a network of over 100,000 clients, their approach balances personal service with a breadth of advisory expertise.
5. Evelyn Partners: Financial Clarity for Executives
Evelyn Partners works with high earners, ensuring their wealth aligns with future goals. They focus on helping startup founders and executives optimize tax strategies for liquidity events.
Key Services:
- Exit Strategy Planning
- Wealth Preservation Services
- Pension Structuring
6. Abacus
Abacus, formed from a Big Four spin-off in 2001, serves wealthy individuals and families from its London office alongside locations in Athens and Nicosia. They provide wealth-planning services that span trusts, complex asset structuring, succession planning, and international tax advice—without corporate hierarchical constraints.
Private wealth clients often seek Abacus for quiet, connected advisory—helping multi-generational families and private equity principals manage their asset base, cross-border exposure, and wealth governance from a discreet and experienced position.
7. The Private Office: Keeping Finances in Check
The Private Office focuses on methodical reviews to ensure clients are making the most of allowances and reliefs.
Key Services:
- Relieving High Tax Burdens on Income
- Handling Personal Savings and Investment Taxes
- Adjusting Financial Structures for High-Income Earners
8. Buttmiller: International Tax Precision
They excel in tax matters where international investments come into play. Buttmiller is a go-to choice for complex cross-border solutions.
Key Services:
- International Tax Compliance
- Trust Fund Management
- Asset Transfers
9. Nichols: Strategic Tax Planning
Nichols has a reputation for helping high earners secure long-term wealth. They specialize in mitigating risks through thoughtful planning.
Key Services:
- High-Income Protection Plans
- Asset Risk Management
- Corporate Tax
10. Tax Advisory Partnership: Specialist Solutions for Non-Doms
This firm’s strength lies in their understanding of non-domicile taxation, making them a solid choice for expats moving to London.
Key Services:
- Remittance Basis Planning
- Offshore Asset Structuring
- Tax Compliance
FAQs on Tax Planning for HNWIs in London
What strategies work best for reducing inheritance tax exposure?
Common options include lifetime giving, business relief, and agricultural property relief. These can cut inheritance tax liabilities significantly but require detailed analysis to ensure compliance with HMRC rules.
What’s the advantage of Family Investment Companies?
Family Investment Companies help control the transfer of wealth to the next generation without triggering significant tax implications. These are often used in place of traditional trusts for their tax efficiency.
Is it possible to claim relief on international property investments?
Yes, certain countries have double taxation agreements with the UK, enabling relief claims on capital gains or income generated from overseas assets.
What replaced the non-dom remittance basis from April 2025?
The remittance basis was abolished for new foreign income and gains arising from 6 April 2025. UK tax residence, rather than historic domicile status, is central to the new framework. Qualifying new UK residents may claim the four-year foreign income and gains (FIG) regime if they meet the conditions, including at least 10 consecutive tax years of non-UK residence before arrival. Past untaxed foreign income and gains, transitional rules, trusts and inheritance-tax issues require separate analysis; the fact that money remains offshore does not automatically remove current UK tax exposure. See HMRC’s 2026 FIG guidance.
