An Individual Savings Account, indicated with the acronym ISA, is a category of investment arrangement. This specific saving account is a profitable option, because it is not subjected to taxation. It means that you won’t need to pay Capital Gains Tax or Income Tax either on the income, interest or financial gains. The only restriction is the amount of money you can invest in on an annual basis. For the current tax year – 2021/2022 – this limit is £20,000. ISAs are available for the residents of the UK or people employed by the Crown. The account holder needs to have a National Insurance number.

Different type of ISAs

If you are considering an investment ISA (Individual Savings Account), you should bear in mind that there are four types of ISAs you can choose from – Cash ISAs, Stocks & Shares ISAs, Innovative finance ISAs and Lifetime ISAs. If you meet the respective requirements, you can save money in each and everyone of them. In this case, the maximum amount you can save will be considered collectively, not for every single account. Having different account would let you set up different investment plans and various goals. You can open your own Individual Savings Accounts in different financial institutions, like banks, credit unions, building societies, but also peer-to-peer lending services, stock brokers or crowdfunding firms.

Cash ISAs

These are tax free savings account you are allowed to open once you are at least 16 years old. Cash ISA is a very valuable option for youngsters or whoever is about to do their first step in savings. There are different options:

1. Instant and easy access

The owners of this type of ISA can instantly have access to their money. Withdrawing is possible at any moment, with no fee applied. The rates are the lowest among all ISAs. It’s suitable for who is not willing to take risks and wants to have an emergency fund.

2. Notice cash

In order to withdraw the cash you would need a notice period. In case of an emergency, it’s still possible to get the money, but a fee would be applied. This is not the best option for those ones who need an emergency fund because you have to communicate in advance the withdrawal.

3. Fixed Rate

This option is for users who are willing to invest long term. The advantage is the higher and stable rate, as the name says, but money need to stay “locked” for a longer period. If subscribers need to access the cash before, they would need to pay a penalty.

Stocks and shares ISAs

Stocks and shares ISAs don’t let you just save your money, but it represents also a tax-efficient way of investing your earnings. With this ISA account you will be investing in shares, investments funds, bonds, investments trusts, and so on. Stocks and shares ISAs are suitable for investors who are willing to take risks and face the volatility of the markets. It’s not all at risk, but an investment in Stocks and Shares ISA requires more attention and study, perhaps relying on professionals who can help and advise you.

Innovative Finance ISAs

This kind of ISA consists of peer-to-peer loans. Through online websites, peer-to-peer lenders, your investments will be visible and accessible for businesses or individuals. If you are willing to lend your money Innovative Finance ISAs are a reasonable option to consider. Compared with other saving accounts, they tend to provide subscribers higher rates of interest. Your earning might be subjected to an increase, although your money would be at risk. In fact, peer-to-peer investments are not made for low-risk profiles.

Lifetime ISA (LISA)

The Lifetime ISA (LISA) is the newest kind of Individual Savings Account. It is thought for adults in the age range 18-39, who want to buy their first property or set up a retirement plan. Once you open your LISA account, the UK government will add the 25% of your deposits up to £4,000. Of course, you can add up to £20,000, but you will receive a maximum of £1,000 per tax year. You will receive the bonus on a monthly basis. As with the other ISAs, withdrawals are tax-free, but there might be a penalty depending on the cases.

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