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A GUIDE TO SAVING AND INVESTING IN INDIVIDUAL SAVINGS ACCOUNTS (ISAs)

WHAT HAPPENS IF...

I currently hold a PEP?

From April 2008, PEPs will automatically become stocks and shares ISAs.

Helpful Hint

You are only permitted to take out one *ISA* per tax year.  If you think you may have taken out more you must contact your manager immediately.

I want to cancel my ISA?

If you invest into an ISA on the basis of a recommendation by a *financial adviser*, you have the right to cancel your investment if you change your mind.

To cancel your investment you must notify the manager by returning the cancellation notice you receive from them, generally within 14 days of receipt.

I would like to move my ISA from one manager to another?

In the year of subscription you can transfer your ISA to a different manager, but it must include all contributions made to that ISA in the tax year.  After the first year of subscription, the rules are more relaxed and partial transfers between ISA managers are permitted.  Under new rules, from April 2008 you can now transfer components (see 'ISA Limits').  You also need to make sure that your new ISA manager is willing and able to accept your transfer.

I want to withdraw some or all of my money?

You can withdraw as much money as you wish from your ISA at any time, subject to the terms of your ISA.  If you do and then want to put it back in later in the year, however, it will count against your normal ISA subscription limits for that year e.g. if you invested £6,000 and withdrew £2,200 you would only be able to put £1,200 back in, as this would bring you up to the maximum limit of £7,200.

Things go wrong?

First take up your complaint with the ISA manager. If the manager is unable to satisfy your complaint, you can take up the matter with the *Financial Ombudsman Service*. The manager is obliged to tell you who to write to.

I have taken out too many ISAs?

Mistakes do happen, but you must tell the manager straight away. The manager will ask you to contact HM Revenue and Customs, as in certain circumstances you may be able to keep your ISA open.

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