Be prepared for the ISA countdown

As the 5th April approaches, the Association of Investment Companies (AIC) has collated ISA deadlines from participating member investment companies and their managers.

The clock is ticking for investors who have yet to use their ISA allowance for the 2006-2007 tax year. Many investors will wait until the last minute to find a home for their ISA, but for many investment companies this will be too late. Investors need to research the deadline to ensure they have enough time. For a free ISA factsheet or for information on ISA special offers, investors can call the Association on 0800 085 8520.

Annabel Brodie-Smith, Communications Director, Association of Investment Companies said: “With just under a month to go until the 5th April deadline, investors may think they have plenty of time to make their ISA purchases. Whilst it’s easy to leave things to the last minute, investors should be aware that many investment companies have deadlines well before then, so it’s important to act now to avoid disappointment.

“Investment company ISAs are a tax efficient way to gain exposure to a diversified portfolio and benefit from the use of gearing, historically low expense ratios and an independent board of directors. The closed-ended structure of investment companies is beneficial when markets are volatile as managers can take a long term view of the market without having to sell their best investments to meet redemptions.’’