How to Use Your ISA Allowance Before April 6
Your £20,000 ISA allowance resets on April 6 each year and cannot be carried forward. Any unused allowance is gone forever, making March one of the most important months in the financial calendar.
If you cannot save the full £20,000, prioritise in this order: first, capture any Lifetime ISA bonus (£4,000 max). Second, fill a Stocks and Shares ISA for long-term growth. Third, use a Cash ISA for your emergency fund or short-term goals. Even small amounts benefit from tax-free growth over time.
Couples can shelter up to £40,000 combined — make sure both partners use their allowances. Parents can also contribute up to £9,000 per child in a Junior ISA.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I carry forward unused ISA allowance?
No. Unlike pension allowances, ISA allowance cannot be carried forward. Each tax year's £20,000 must be used by April 5 or it is lost.
Does transferring between ISAs use up allowance?
No, ISA transfers between providers do not count towards your annual allowance, as long as you use the official transfer process rather than withdrawing and re-depositing.
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