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Isa

I am over 18 but do not pay tax. Can i open an ISA account. IS that better than a normal savings account?

Comments

  • Aegis
    Aegis Posts: 5,695 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    superstar wrote: »
    I am over 18 but do not pay tax. Can i open an ISA account. IS that better than a normal savings account?
    ISA's are generally better for taxpayers, but there's certainly nothing stopping you from opening one as a non taxpayer. If you're likely to pay tax during the life of the account, it certainly might be worth your while putting money into a cash ISA now.
    I am a Chartered Financial Planner
    Anything I say on the forum is for discussion purposes only and should not be construed as personal financial advice. It is vitally important to do your own research before acting on information gathered from any users on this forum.
  • superstar_2
    superstar_2 Posts: 2,104 Forumite
    Aegis wrote: »
    ISA's are generally better for taxpayers, but there's certainly nothing stopping you from opening one as a non taxpayer. If you're likely to pay tax during the life of the account, it certainly might be worth your while putting money into a cash ISA now.

    Why is that better than a normal savings account for a non-tax payer?
  • Clare99
    Clare99 Posts: 37 Forumite
    An ISA is better than a savings account because if/when you do start paying tax in the future, the £3000 you've saved in an ISA each year will remain tax free.

    I opened ISAs as a student (when I didn't pay tax), which I still have now, so rather than paying tax on all my savings accounts, my ISAs are still tax free so I get a better return on my money.
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  • Aegis
    Aegis Posts: 5,695 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    superstar wrote: »
    Why is that better than a normal savings account for a non-tax payer?
    On a normal savings account, a basic rate taxpayer pays 20% income trax on any interest, and a higher rate taxpayer pays 40%. In an ISA these taxes do not apply. As such, the net return you get out of an ISA is better for a similar interest rate normal account.
    I am a Chartered Financial Planner
    Anything I say on the forum is for discussion purposes only and should not be construed as personal financial advice. It is vitally important to do your own research before acting on information gathered from any users on this forum.
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