Over the years, this book has changed, and for the better. It now forms part of the Tottel Core Annuals series. The TEP in private client practice will find here initial guidance on virtually all he needs to know. Matthew Hutton has adapted his erudite style to the demands of the Core Tax formate, illustrating each major point with an example. He has written in short sentences that rapidly convey the material without any hint of dumbing down.

Having said that, Chapter 6, which sets out the IHT issues of running a trust, naturally makes for quite dense text. It is simply not possible to explain the IHT regime for relevant property trusts any other way. (One wonders, in the light of recent proposals to 'reform' CGT, what would emerge from attempts to simplify the rules as to exist charges and periodic charges on trusts.) Matthew explains the rules tersely but adequately.

The section on IHT on estates of deceased persons is good though there is no mention of Supplemental form D3a, which was issued in July 2003. The section on chattels seems to be based on form D10 as it was in use until a few months ago, when a much more searching, intrusive form was introduced. Sadly, practitioners who carry stocks of forms should destroy them and download afresh for each new case: they change like the wind.

The book covers the tax implications of starting a trust, running it and bringing it to an end, dealing with income tax, CGT, IHT and stamp duty. It then sets out the tax treatment of deceased estates. Throughout there is attention to compliance as well as to the substantive law.

I cannot be impartial about this book: it forms part of a series that I know intimately. The six volumes together, at £99.50 (or £125 with the CD), are such stunning value that all UK STEP members should buy them: but if you buy only one of the set, buy this one, at a mere £25. You will recover its cost the first time you consult it.

Toby Harris TEP is a member of Norwich and Norfolk Branch and a contributor to two companion volumes in the series reviewed above

STEP Journal, May 2008

This publication covers the tax aspects of UK trust law and is the 7th edition of a book which now forms part of the Core Tax Annuals series from Tottel Publishing. These Tax Annuals provide a core set of tax books from which readers can easily find initial guidance on the mainstream areas of UK tax law.

The book aims to illustrate with examples and tables the primary points of legislation and practice and deals with the basic tax system as it relates to trusts and deceased estates. It covers starting, running and ending a trust and dealing with a deceased estate. Worked examples, tax tables, and practical commentaries are included and it is fully updated to the Finance Act 2007.

Accountancy Ireland, April 2008