Savers 'handing gift to the tax man'

At present, many consumers are doing their best to rein in their spending due to the tight economic conditions currently affecting the UK and elsewhere. This may mean that more are using an income tax calculator or PAYE calculator.

However, according to one firm, a significant number may be handing money to tax man by not being shrewd with their savings habits.

Research conducted by Fidelity Investment Managers found that more than one in two Londoners (56 per cent) are saving for a rainy day, with the average monthly amount of £200. But 44 per cent do not have an Individual Savings Account (ISA) in place.

Introduced in April 1999, ISAs are financial products available to residents in the UK and they have a favourable tax status.

Fidelity also found that only 12 per cent of respondents from the English capital are saving cash with the hope of retiring early, while 15 per cent are putting money aside to hand over to their grandchildren.

Meanwhile, elsewhere in the country, residents in Gloucester have the most ISAs and they save the most, with a monthly average of £415. At the other end of the scale, consumers in Belfast save the least each month with a typical sum or around £34.

Responding to the findings, head of UK personal investment Fidelity Investment Managers Rob Fisher said: "It is great news that Londoners are saving so much each month, but with rising taxes savers and investors really should make sure they put as much as they can in their ISA each year and not miss out on the tax relief that is rightfully theirs.

"ISAs are a year-round tax perk and a fantastic use-it-or-lose-it tax perk - no further tax to pay ever, and at the moment a generous £20,400 allowance for a couple, but no way back if you let the tax year pass without taking up your allowance."

Anyone who thinks they may have paid too much tax is advised to check and using an online income tax calculator or PAYE calculator could make this process easier.
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