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Make the Most Out of Your ISA Allowance

Photo by Chiew Pang
Profiled for United Kingdom.
Investors and savers should expect an increase to the ISA allowance cap by ₤240 – ₤360 to ₤11,760 – ₤11,880 level from April 2014. The change in annual ISA allowance is every year in line with the inflation.
ISA allowance can be predicted mathematically by taking the September Consumer Prices Index figure and then applying it to the ISA allowance that was in force in the previous year. To make monthly contributions easier for savers and investors, the above figure is rounded off to the nearest number that is divisible by 120.
When this formula is applied, leading financiers believe that the next year’s ISA allowance cap might rise to ₤11,880. However, according to UK’s one of the largest investment broker, Hargreaves Lansdown, that figure could be ₤11,760 after rounding down.
The Chancellor of the Exchequer should uncover the mystery over the next year’s ISA allowance limit most probably in the autumn statement to be held next week on December 4.
With the slight relief in the ISA allowance cap, you can make the most out of it if you understand ISA and follow certain tips and guidelines below.
“Don’t let your money sit idle, let it grow.”
What is ISA allowance, who should apply and why?
Anyone who is the permanent resident of the United Kingdom and above 16 years of age can hold an Instant Cash ISA or above 18 years of age can hold a Flexible Cash ISA and start enjoying the tax benefits immediately. There is no capitals gains tax (CGT) and no tax on any income from the savings or interest amount.
ISA allowance can be splitted between cash ISA and investment ISA. During a tax year, an individual currently can put up to ₤11,520 in ISA allowance. However, there is a maximum limit for Cash ISA that is half of the ISA allowance limit. If next year ISA allowance limit exceeds to ₤11,880, then an individual can contribute up to ₤5,940 in Cash ISA and rest or the entire amount can be contributed to Investment ISA.
What is easy access cash ISA and fixed-rate cash ISA?
In cash ISA, you have two account choices depending on your needs. You can withdraw your money from easy access cash ISA any time you wish. However, the interest rate will be variable and it can change anytime. You will gain no tax benefit on the money you have already withdrawn.
In fixed-rate cash ISA, you will enjoy higher interest rates. However, you will have to lock your money and forget about it for another few years. If you are ready to do so, then it will be better option.
Be careful when withdrawing
If you decide to withdraw money in the middle of the tax year, then be warned that you will not be able to top put it back to receive beneft on it. For example, if you had paid ₤5000 for the current tax year and you decided to withdraw ₤2,000, then you cannot put this amount back. Since you had already paid ₤5000, now you are only allowed to put further ₤760. Hence, you will lose all tax benefits on these ₤1,240 (₤2,000-₤760), which now you have in your hands.
When is the best time to invest in ISA allowance?
As soon as the tax year starts! If you can afford to use up your cash ISA allowance limit all at once at the beginning of the tax year, then do so. This will give you 3% interest on your money and at the end of the tax year you will have additional ₤172.80 with you. The more you will delay the lesser interest amount you will get.
Can I transfer my cash ISA to another bank?
Yes, but never withdraw all the money from your current cash ISA account and then pay it into your new ISA. This is not the right way to do it and you will lose all tax benefit on your money. Contact your current account provider and the new account provider and ask them to manage your transfer or follow their guidelines.
I have used up my cash ISA allowance, what is next?
Cash allowance is just 50% of your entire annual ISA allowance as described above. The remaining you can put in investment ISA. Your investment ISA may have individual company shares, investment and conventional unit trusts, and traded funds. Earlier this year in March, treasury said that it would also allow small shares traded on AIM (formerly, Alternative Investment Market), sub market of London Stock Exchange.
Investment ISA has potential to deliver big in terms of returns when compared to cash ISA, but it also possesses some risks of losing money. It is highly dependent on market mood, and if the market is going down, it will directly/indirectly affect your money. Not just that, investment ISA also has high management charges. So chose the right thing for your money. Don’t let your money sit idle, let it grow.
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