New modelling from the Country Land and Business Association (CLA) suggests that the changes to inheritance tax (IHT) could wipe out family farms annual profit.

Despite claims from Rachel Reeves that ‘small family farms’ would be left unharmed by these changes; this new study indicates it could be a “death sentence” for many farm businesses.

Outlined within the research a typical 200/a farm with sole ownership and an expected annual profit of £27,300 would face IHT liability of £435,000. Spread over the ten-year period allocated for repayment of IHT the farm would be forced to assign 159% of its yearly profit to meet the demand.

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To meet this additional financial burden, it is estimated that a farmer would be forced to sell 20% of their land.

Looking at a 250/a farm owned by a couple with an annual profit of £34,130, they would face an IHT liability of £267,000, totalling 78% of profit each year over the decade.

Qualifying assets beyond this level will receive 50% relief from inheritance tax, resulting in an effective tax rate of 20%, after using the nil rate band of £325,000 and residence nil rate band of £175,000.

If married, a farmer’s spouse would be viable to inherit their relief when moving business assets to the successor, however, they too would be severely impacted by the change according to CLA’s findings.

This financial hit would lead to a cycle of stagnation, asset sales, or incurred debt to cover costs, significantly hampering the sustainability of these asset-rich, cash-poor family businesses.

In addition to the publishing of these findings, the CLA have further urged the government to U-turn on the tax changes, highlighting the potential damage it poses to the rural sector.

Deputy president of CLA, Gavin Lane questioned the governments belief that family farms would be left unaffected by these changes.

He said: “Either the government isn’t being honest with the public about the true impact of these reforms, or they don’t understand the nature of rural businesses.

"I'd like to believe it is the latter and that they are prepared to listen to our input rather than continually trying to dismiss it.

"Asking farms to use their income to pay a huge capital tax bill over ten years, if indeed it is possible, will threaten the future of investment and the viability of the business.”