The maximum you can put into tax-free accounts each year. Currently £20,000.
ISA Allowance
The maximum you can put into tax-free accounts each year. Currently £20,000.
By Scrimpr
Updated 18 Jan 2026 What is the ISA allowance?
The ISA allowance is the most you can put into ISAs (tax-free savings and investment accounts) each tax year. The current allowance is £20,000. The tax year runs from 6 April to 5 April.
Can you split the ISA allowance?
Yes. You can spread your £20,000 across different types of ISA. For example, £10,000 in a Cash ISA and £10,000 in a Stocks and Shares ISA. The total across all ISAs cannot exceed £20,000.
What happens if you don’t use your ISA allowance?
You lose it. The allowance resets each April and doesn’t roll over. If you only put in £5,000 this year, you can’t add £35,000 next year.
Is there a separate allowance for a Lifetime ISA?
The Lifetime ISA has its own £4,000 limit, but this counts towards your £20,000 total. If you put £4,000 in a LISA, you have £16,000 left for other ISAs.
Key points about the ISA allowance
- £20,000 per tax year (April to April)
- Use it or lose it. Doesn’t roll over
- Split across ISA types, but total cannot exceed £20,000
More information
Scrimpr links to official sources so you can verify what you’ve learned.
