At a time when changes to inheritance tax rules are under the spotlight, new research by YouGov for UK wealth management and employee benefits firm Mattioli Woods shows that many people over-55 in the UK are still reluctant to discuss inheritance.

Research by YouGov for Mattioli Woods shows that one in four respondents over the age of 55 have never discussed inheritance, and have significant gaps in understanding inheritance tax (IHT) rules and estate planning.

Despite widespread expectations of passing on wealth, inheritance is still one of the UK’s most avoided financial conversations. A quarter of over-55s said they have never openly discussed inheritance with their family. The findings point to emotional discomfort, privacy concerns and perceptions that it is too early or unnecessary to engage in such discussions.

The research was carried out by YouGov covering 2,174 UK adults between 1 and 2 June 2026.

Across all age groups, this reluctance remains entrenched. Even among 45 to 54-year-olds, 35 per cent said they have never had such conversations, underscoring that avoidance is not confined to older generations.

Regionally, London leads in the number of those who avoid talking about inheritance (44 per cent), followed by the North-West (37 per cent) and Scotland (36 per cent). Yorkshire, Wales, the South-West and the South-East each record 34 per cent, while the North-East (33 per cent), West Midlands (also 33 per cent), and the East Midlands (32 per cent) show slightly higher levels of openness. Eastern England reports the lowest proportion of avoidance at 30 per cent, the survey reveals.

Despite relatively high confidence in some aspects of estate planning, awareness of key IHT rules remains limited among over-55s. Only 15 per cent are aware of the nil rate band and residence nil rate band allowances, while just 35 per cent understand that pensions could potentially become subject to inheritance tax from 6 April 2027.

The current IHT allowance, which has been frozen at £325,000 ($429,000) for 16 years, will remain frozen for another five years until 2030, causing the number of estates paying IHT to rise. The £175,000 residence nil rate band hasn’t changed since 2020. From the start of April 2027, most unused pension wealth will also fall within the scope of IHT, meaning that those with unused pensions could face a 40 per cent IHT charge. See more here and here. The way that a wider section of the UK public has been dragged into the IHT net has become a major political issue.

By contrast with the IHT situation, the survey finds that understanding is considerably stronger when it comes to more basic estate planning principles. Most over 55s (83 per cent) recognise the importance of having a valid will, and 61 per cent are aware of the seven-year gifting rule.

“These findings show a clear disconnect between the expectation of passing on wealth and the understanding required to do so effectively. While most people recognise the importance of a will, far fewer understand the tax rules and allowances that can significantly impact what is ultimately passed on,” Amit Joshi, managing director of wealth at Mattioli Woods, said.

“The reluctance to talk about inheritance is understandable, but it can leave families unprepared at a time when clarity matters most,” he added. “When these conversations are delayed, important financial and emotional decisions are often left until moments of stress or urgency, when it is harder to reflect clearly or act in a coordinated way. That can create uncertainty around intentions, increase the risk of disputes, and lead to avoidable delays in administering estates.”

Mattioli Woods recently integrated Kingswood Group under a unified brand, following its October 2025 merger. The combined business now oversees more than 30,000 clients and is responsible for assets under management exceeding £32 billion.