Jurisdiction(s):
United Kingdom

Farming businesses: tax-efficient structuring, co-ordinated private wealth planning and succession solutions to balance family interests, preserve the farm and avoid probate litigation

Published on: 13 April 2026

Published by a LexisNexis Private Client expert

Legal News

Article summary

Understanding the farming business as a business

Many farms still use long-standing structures that arose by habit, not strategy. Sole traders, informal partnerships and outdated partnership deeds are common. While once effective, such setups can cause major issues around succession, tax planning and involving the next generation. A corporate team can take a fresh, business-led view of the farm, asking:

Who owns the land and other critical assets?
Who manages daily operations?
Who carries the risk and who enjoys the return?
What is the enduring plan for succession?

From this review, the team can confirm whether the current setup is fit for purpose or if an alternative — for example an updated partnership agreement, a company, a limited liability partnership, or a blended model — would better meet the family’s aims.

Tax efficiency through joined-up advice

Tax sits at the centre of most farming choices. Corporate lawyers working alongside tax advisers can ensure any reorganisation or succession plan makes full use of available reliefs while avoiding unintended tax charges. This integrated approach is especially crucial where agricultural property relief, business property relief and capital gains tax are concerned...

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