Succession planning, succession law and tax advice
Succession planning
Succession planning is often a complex and sensitive process, particularly when a family business or substantial private wealth is involved. Effective business succession planning requires careful consideration of succession law, inheritance tax and succession tax to ensure continuity, legal certainty and tax efficiency.
At Bachmann/Partners, we advise business owners and families on family business succession, combining in‑depth legal expertise with a structured and forward‑looking approach.
Business succession planning for family‑owned companies
Family business succession involves far more than the transfer of ownership. It requires early planning to determine future management and ownership structures, while addressing the tax and duty implications associated with the transfer.
Several legally recognized methods exist for structuring a business succession, including gift transfers, sale of shares or ownership interests, tax succession arrangements, loan structures or combinations thereof. The appropriate solution depends on the specific circumstances of the business and the family.
Succession tax and inheritance tax advice
Succession tax and inheritance tax are central elements of any succession planning process. Without proper planning, the transfer of a business or private wealth may trigger significant tax liabilities.
Bachmann/Partners advises on inheritance tax and tax‑optimized succession structures, including lifetime transfers, inheritance planning, valuation of assets and companies, and the use of binding rulings to secure predictability and legal certainty.
How our tax lawyers assist with succession planning
Our tax lawyers have extensive experience in succession law, inheritance law and tax law. We assist clients with:
- Business succession planning and family business succession
- Succession tax and inheritance tax planning
- Wills, gifts, prenuptial agreements and inheritance distribution
- Valuation of companies and private assets
- Structuring and implementation of succession arrangements
Our advice is characterized by discretion, trust and a focus on long‑term sustainability for both the family and the business.
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Here you can find answers to the most frequently asked questions
What are the rules for advance inheritance and gifts?
Gift tax
When you give a gift to close family members (e.g., children, grandchildren, parents, stepchildren), there is an annual tax-free threshold.
In 2025, the threshold is, for example, DKK 74,200 per child from each parent or grandparent.
Anything given above the threshold is subject to a 15% gift tax.
For gifts to other individuals (e.g., siblings), there is no such threshold, and the gifts are considered personal income for the recipient. From 2027, gifts and inheritance to siblings are expected to fall under the 15% gift tax rules, which is a significant reduction from 53% to 15%—benefiting, among others, childless spouses and couples.
Loans to close family members can often be arranged without interest.
Normally, the Danish Tax Agency (SKAT) requires interest on loans between closely related parties, but for close family, such as gifts to children and grandchildren, the practice is different.
Loans can be made interest-free here if the loan is arranged without notice periods.
This can be a great help, allowing you to borrow “for free” when purchasing a home or starting a business, and you can postpone gift tax, as there is no gift tax on loans.
Bachmann/Partners knows the rules and can help you create loan agreements that work.
What does "tax succession" mean?
Tax succession is often used in generational transfers.
The term means that the seller is not taxed as they normally would be when transferring shares, property, etc.
Instead, the buyer/child assumes the seller’s tax, which only becomes payable when the child sells the same asset.
This provides a significant advantage for the seller, as the purchase price is tax-free for them. For the buyer, it often means that the seller may give the buyer a gift to help make the financing work.
For the child, the advantage is that inflation erodes the tax that is assumed. A deferred tax of DKK 1 million will have a much lower real value in 20 years.
That is what succession is all about.
Do you need advice on generational succession?
Bachmann/Partners has some of Denmark’s leading lawyers and tax experts, making us well-qualified to guide you safely through the process of transferring your business or wealth in a generational succession. Your tax lawyer can navigate the process securely, ensuring the outcome meets your expectations.
Contact us today for an informal meeting about your case.
Contact us today for an informal meeting about your case.
Regardless of your situation, we can help you create the most advantageous solution. We have Denmark’s best
team of lawyers and experts, so you can be confident you are receiving the best advice.
We have offices in Copenhagen, Aarhus, and Aalborg, so you always have access to tax advice near you.
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