Morningstar's Guide to ISAs, Pensions and Tax-Efficient Investing

There is less than a month left of the 2015/16 tax year; meaning time is running out to utilise those all important allowances, reduce your tax bill and boost your market returns

Emma Wall 7 March, 2016 | 8:55AM
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Have you used up this year’s ISA allowance? Topped up your pension? Got your financial house in order? There is less than a month left of the 2015/16 tax year; meaning for investors there is less than a month to utilise those all important allowances, reduce your tax bill and boost your market returns.

This year those investment decisions have been made all the most complex by the changing market landscape – both volatile stock markets and rumours of policy changes have had investors panicked. Leaks from the upcoming Budget next week suggest that Chancellor George Osborne will yet again be tinkering with the way that we save for retirement – and although we won’t know the full details until he stands up on the despatch box and delivers his speech next Wednesday March 16th, we can make some educated guesses as to how this will effect pension savers.

This tax year is also the last one where higher rate tax payers can enjoy favourable tax relief on their annual pension allowance, so if you earn more than £150,000 a year now is the time to top up your pension. In fact, regardless of your earning power, from April you will see your annual pension allowance drop from £1.25 million to £1 million. Time is running out for these use-it-or-lose-it benefits so ISA and pension investors – or anyone looking to boost their savings and reduce their HMRC bill should read on for our Guide to ISAs, Pensions and Tax-Efficient Investing.

Monday: What Next for Pensions?

We untangle the rumours about changes to retirement saving

Will the Way Your Pension is Taxed Be Changing?

How Much Are You Allowed to Save into a Pension?

What is Pension Auto-Enrolment?

How to Save for Retirement

Drip Feeding Investment More Profitable than Market Timing

Tuesday: Investment Ideas for Your SIPP

Self investing for your future? Read our top tips

10 Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Cash in Your Pension

3 Top Fund Managers for Your SIPP

Workplace Pension Savers in the Dark Over Investments

UK and US Stocks Most Popular with ETF Investors

Wednesday: ISAs Back to Basics

What is an ISA? Choosing the best options for you

Introduction to ISAs & NISAs

Consumers Prioritise Saving But Cash is Still Deemed King

Investor Views: "I'm Using my ISA to Get on the Property Ladder"

10 Top Tips for ISA Investors

Thursday: ISA Investing Ideas

Where are the experts putting their money?

Where are the Professionals Putting their ISA Cash?

Cash ISA Rates Halve Over 5 Years

Star Fund Managers of the Past 10 Years

How to Find the Best ISA Funds for You 

Budget 2016: Higher Rate Tax Threshold to Rise to £50,000?

Friday: Estate Planning

How to legally reduce your tax bill

Boost Your Returns With Alternative Tax-free Investments

Investments Free from CGT

How to Pay Less Income Tax

Where Do the Opportunities Lie for VCT Investors in 2016?

New Changes to Tax Efficient Investment Schemes

The information contained within is for educational and informational purposes ONLY. It is not intended nor should it be considered an invitation or inducement to buy or sell a security or securities noted within nor should it be viewed as a communication intended to persuade or incite you to buy or sell security or securities noted within. Any commentary provided is the opinion of the author and should not be considered a personalised recommendation. The information contained within should not be a person's sole basis for making an investment decision. Please contact your financial professional before making an investment decision.

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About Author

Emma Wall  is former Senior International Editor for Morningstar

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