Demystifying ISAs and SIPPs

ISAs are Individual Savings Accounts and SIPPs are Self-Invested Personal Pensions. Essentially, they’re vehicles to tax-free income. So, what are you waiting for?

Demystifying ISAs and SIPPs

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS TO ME OF PUTTING MONEY INTO AN ISA?

The main reason is you save your money, tax-free. In a nutshell, you do not pay interest on cash in an ISA and you do not pay capital gains tax or income tax from investments in an ISA.

This tax year (6th April 2019 – 5th April 2020) you are allowed to save £20,000 across the four different types of ISAs available. (You can put £20,000 in one or split the money across the four types. The only limitation is a maximum of £4,000 per year in a Lifetime ISA)

  1. Cash ISAs (savings in bank accounts)
  2. Stocks and Shares ISAs (shares in companies, investment funds, corporate bonds, government bonds)
  3. Innovative Finance ISAs (peer-to-peer loans, crowdfunding debentures)
  4. Lifetime ISAs (cash, and stocks and shares)

In order to be eligible to open an ISA, you have to live in the UK, you have to be over 16 to open a cash ISA, over 18 to open a stocks & shares or innovative finance ISA, and over 18 (and younger than 40) to open a Lifetime ISA.

Your ISAs do not close when the tax year finishes, you keep your savings on a tax-free basis for as long as you keep the money in your ISA accounts.

You can open as ISA through building societies, banks, credit unions, stockbrokers, peer-to-peer lending services, crowdfunding companies or other financial institutions

HOW DO I GET MY MONEY OUT AND IS IT TAXED AT THAT POINT?

There are different rules for Lifetime ISAs but with the other types, you are able to take money out of an Individual Savings Account (ISA) at any time, without losing any tax benefits (though there may be fees incurred).

Cleverly, if you have a flexible ISA and you withdraw cash and put it back in during the same tax year, that will not reduce your current year’s allowance.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS TO ME OF PUTTING MONEY INTO A SSIP?

They’re nicknamed the “DIY pension” because you can take more control of the money you are saving for retirement – they allow to choose your own investments. “Traditional” personal pensions (defined contribution schemes) often limit investment options to a short list of funds that are run my that supplier’s fund managers. A SIPP allows you free rein to choose your own investments and the supplier/company has to follow your instructions, rather than advising you. Of course, that does mean that you have far greater responsibility and Mr Financial recommends that SIPPs are only appropriate for people who understand investing are prepared to research and manage their retirement savings.

There are two types of SIPPs – low-cost SIPPs and full-cost SIPPs

With low-cost SIPPs, you don’t receive any advice and you’re in charge and you can start with a small investment of c.£5,000. However, Mr Financial recommends an initial injection from an existing pension fund of more like £40,000 or be able to invest a few thousand every year.

A full cost SIPP offers the widest choice of investments and includes commercial property. Usually there is a team at the company to help and advise you for which you pay higher costs.

HOW MUCH AM I ALLOWED TO SAVE IN A SIPP?

You’re allowed to save as much as you’d like for your retirement but there are limits to how much you can save and still get tax relief. If you’re employed, you can contribute up to £40,000. If you’re not employed, you can contribute up to £3,600 per tax year and still attain basic-rate tax relief. So, in effect, non-earners can pay in £2,880 per tax year, and the taxman will add £720.

Mr Financial recommends you read our other advice pages concerning tax relief and pensions to make sure you have a working knowledge of all the options that are open to you. Always be prepared and make sure you make the best decision that fits you, your lifestyle and your family.

Loading... please wait

Key Equity Release