Don’t make this costly ISA mistake

On 6 April, your ISA allowance resets. Any unused allowance can’t be carried forward - it’s lost.

That’s up to £20,000 of tax-efficient investing you miss this year - along with years of potential tax-free growth.

And while market uncertainty can feel unsettling, indecision could cost you over the long term.

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You don’t have to invest immediately

One of the biggest misconceptions about ISAs is that you must choose your investments straight away. It’s simply not true.

As long as you add money to a Stocks and Shares ISA before the deadline on 5 April, you can invest it later.

Just keep in mind that if your money sits in cash, returns may be lower than investing, and inflation can reduce its spending power over time.

• Read: What is inflation? The basics

Practical steps to take before 5 April

If you’re not sure whether you’ve used your full ISA allowance this tax year, now is a good time to check.

A few simple actions can help:

1. Review how much of your £20,000 allowance you’ve already used. If you only hold a Stocks and Shares ISA with us, you can see how much of your allowance you have left to use in your account.
2. Decide how much you can realistically contribute before 5 April.
3. Open an ISA if you don’t already have one. If you’re new to Fidelity, you can open an ISA here. Or if you already have a Fidelity account, log in to top up your ISA.
4. Contribute well in advance of 5 April (which falls on Easter Sunday this year) to make sure you don’t miss out.

Remember, you don’t need to use all your £20,000 allowance to benefit. Even partially using your allowance can make a difference and create meaningful long-term results.

• Read: Your tax year end checklist
• Read: The tax benefits of an ISA
• Read: 5 smart moves to make before 5 April

Important information - investors should note that the views expressed may no longer be current and may have already been acted upon. Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances and all tax rules may change in the future. Please be aware that past performance is not a reliable indicator of future returns. This information is not a personal recommendation for any particular investment. If you are unsure about the suitability of an investment you should speak to one of Fidelity’s advisers or an authorised financial adviser of your choice. .