Inconvenient Easter

Inconveniently, the tax year end this year coincides with both a weekend and Bank Holidays (Good Friday and Easter Monday).

This means that anyone leaving their 2009/10 ISA contributions to the last minute need to be aware of what that last minute actually is!

It makes real sense to arrange your financial plans well ahead of any tax year end deadline and realistically this time round that needs to be before the end of this month.

A lot has already been written on the subject of the ISA allowance but those who have been paying regular monthly contributions to achieve the maximum may want to consider making a top-up to achieve the £10,200 limit (for those over 50 years old by the end of the tax year). If that is something you want to do then make sure you contact your financial adviser now.

Also be aware that product providers (and advisers!) are under additional pressure this year as a result of the minimum pension benefit age rule change.

From 6th April 2010, the earliest age at which you can take your pension benefits is 55. This has resulted in a flurry of last minute enquiries from investors who are over 50 but under 55 asking if they can access their tax-free cash before the benefit rules change.

Keep in mind that it can take several weeks to process a request of this nature, particularly if it means having to move a pension fund to a new provider first. If you were hoping to do this but have not already taken advice, chances are you have now missed your opportunity are realistically pension providers are unable to process these requests in time.