It's now the time of the year to start thinking about funding savings and pensions. And all the more this year as starting next year, high earners will see their tax benefits on pensions seriously curtailed.
There are no changes this year in VCTs, EIS and SEIS funds so there is no need to talk about those. Please refer to
our previous articles on the subject. So what changes to expect this year?
1. As every year, make sure to fully fund your ISA
Each of us is entitled to pay up to £15,240 prior to 5th April 2016 into our ISA. And for the 17/18 tax year the limit will increase to £20,000. Before July 1, 2014, you could only invest half your annual ISA allowance into cash. However, following changes to ISA rules, you can invest the full £15,240 allowance into a cash ISA. This is an interest-bearing account that carries no risk, although as interest rates are so low, your returns may be eroded by inflation. Also note that you can invest some of your allowance in Innovative Finance ISA, such as P2P funds.
Don't forget that your kids have an allowance as well. The Junior ISA allowance for 16/17 is £4,080.