Over 50s reminded to use enhanced ISA allowance

With the end of the tax year looming, Fidelity International reminds over 50s to use their extra 2009/10 ISA allowance in order to increase their returns by as much as 28% compared to an investment outside a tax wrapper by the time they reach 65.

For example, if a 50 year old basic rate tax payer placed £10,200 into an-ISA wrapped UK equity fund each tax year, assuming an annual total return of 6.5% per annum, before charges, they could amass £312,447 by the time they reached the age of 65.  The investment return of £160,000 would all be shielded from the taxman.

However, if they chose to invest the same sum in the same fund, held outside an ISA, tax deductions would mean the investment growth at age 65 would be just £137,499. This means that the ISA returns 16% more and they keep an additional £21,948 that they would otherwise have to give to the taxman over the years.

A higher rate tax payer would benefit even more, keeping £34,708 from the taxman, meaning the ISA would return 28% more.

Just how much extra the investor will get back by sheltering savings in an ISA will depend upon the type of investment and their tax rate. However, what doesn't change is that over 50's investors have been given a head start to save with the extra allowance, an opportunity that shouldn't be missed as savings over just a 15 year period can make a huge difference.

Tom Stevenson, Investment Director at Fidelity International, says, "If you are aged over 50, you still have the opportunity to contribute £10,200 before the end of this tax year. The simple fact is that, if you don't use this allowance and choose to leave your investments or savings outside an ISA, you're agreeing to give part of your investment return to the Government. As you can see from our figures, that could amount to throwing away a huge amount of money over the years. An ISA puts all the money back into your pocket and your pocket alone."