How the UK ISA Allowance Works in 2026/27

One overall adult allowance

The £20,000 limit applies to subscriptions made during the tax year across Cash ISAs, Stocks and Shares ISAs, Innovative Finance ISAs and Lifetime ISAs. Opening or holding several accounts does not multiply the allowance.

A contribution example

Someone who contributes £5,000 to a Cash ISA, £10,000 to a Stocks and Shares ISA and £4,000 to a Lifetime ISA has subscribed £19,000. The estimated remaining overall allowance is £1,000. The Lifetime ISA’s own £4,000 annual limit has already been used.

Lifetime ISA contributions sit inside the total

The Lifetime ISA limit is £4,000 and counts toward the £20,000 adult ISA allowance. Eligibility, the government bonus and withdrawal charges have separate rules, so contribution room is only one part of the decision.

Flexible withdrawals need special care

Some flexible ISAs allow certain withdrawals to be replaced during the same tax year without using more allowance. The account provider’s terms and the type and timing of the withdrawal matter. Do not assume every ISA is flexible, and do not enter a replacement amount in the calculator unless the provider confirms it is eligible.

Transfers are not ordinary withdrawals

Moving an ISA between providers through the formal ISA transfer process is different from withdrawing the money and paying it into another account yourself. The latter can lose tax protection or consume contribution room. Begin transfers through the receiving provider and check the rules before moving cash.

Use your own records

Providers do not necessarily know what you subscribed to ISAs elsewhere. Track subscriptions across accounts and distinguish new contributions from formal ISA transfers. If you think you have exceeded an allowance, do not try to correct it by guessing; contact the provider or HMRC for the appropriate process.

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