An event aimed at demystifying complex inheritance tax laws will be held in Carlisle.

Hosted by tax specialist Alex Dent of Cumbria and Scotland-based accountancy firm Saint & Co, the 'Inheritance Tax for Beginners' session will take place at the Auctioneer in Carlisle on February 20.

The seminar is geared towards individuals or couples trying to understand what percentage of their estate the Government can take upon their death.

It will clarify who is liable to pay this tax and how their families may be affected as well as exploring ways to efficiently plan and control potential tax burdens.

Ms Dent, a partner at Saint & Co, said: "We get asked about inheritance tax frequently - which is not surprising as it is a complex subject with many nuances.

"Essentially, people want to know if everything they have worked so hard for over their lives will be subject to inheritance tax and if so, how much."

She added that attendees typically want to understand how to plan for the future and lessen any potential tax liability that their spouses or children may incur.

She added: "We will run through these questions and others at our event next month."

Inheritance tax is currently imposed at a rate of 40 per cent on estates worth more than £325,000.

A supplementary allowance of £175,000 is applied if a residence is left to children or grandchildren.

Spouses have the option to merge their allowances, raising the threshold to £1 million.

This set-up enables them to pass on up to £1 million without paying any inheritance tax.

The tax rakes in around £7 billion each year for the Government.

The event, part of Saint & Co's Mini Bite series, starts at 11.45am and ends at 2pm and includes a hot lunch.

It is open to all, irrespective of whether attendees are clients of Saint & Co, and tickets, which are free, can be booked via Eventbrite.

The firm will hold a second, more advanced seminar on inheritance tax and tax planning on March 13.

More specifics and booking information will be released in the forthcoming weeks.