Tax on Savings Interest: A Complete Guide for UK Taxpayers

When you earn interest on your savings, it’s important to understand how it is taxed in the UK. Whether it’s from a savings account, a bond, or a foreign account, knowing the rules and allowances can help you manage your finances effectively and avoid unexpected tax bills. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the taxation of savings interest in the UK.

What is Savings Interest?

Savings interest is the income you earn on the money you deposit in various accounts. This can include:

  • Bank and building society accounts.

  • Fixed-term deposits.

  • Bonds or other investment accounts.

  • Peer-to-peer lending platforms.

The interest you earn is treated as taxable income, but some allowances and exemptions could mean you pay no tax at all on your savings.

Tax-Free Allowances and Rates

Personal Savings Allowance (PSA)

The PSA allows you to earn a certain amount of savings interest tax-free each year:

  • Basic-rate taxpayers: £1,000 allowance.

  • Higher-rate taxpayers: £500 allowance.

  • Additional-rate taxpayers: No allowance.

Starting Rate for Savings

You may be eligible for the Starting Rate for Savings, which provides up to £5,000 of tax-free interest if your total income (excluding savings) is less than £17,570.

Tax-Free Savings Accounts

Interest earned from Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs) is completely tax-free. This includes:

  • Cash ISAs.

  • Stocks and Shares ISAs.

  • Innovative Finance ISAs.

  • Lifetime ISAs.

 

How Savings Interest is Taxed

Savings interest is added to your total income for the year and taxed according to your income tax band:

  • Basic rate (20%)

  • Higher-rate (40%)

  • Additional rate (45%)

Most UK banks and building societies automatically report interest to HMRC, so you don’t need to declare it manually if you are within your PSA.

Interest from Different Types of Accounts

UK Savings Accounts

Interest from standard UK savings accounts is taxable once it exceeds your PSA or other allowances.

Fixed-Term Deposits and Bonds

These often pay higher interest rates, which could push you over the tax-free threshold.

Peer-to-Peer Lending

Interest earned through platforms like Zopa or Funding Circle is also taxable but may qualify for special reliefs.

 
Foreign Savings Interest

Tax on Foreign Savings Interest

If you have savings in foreign accounts, the interest earned is taxable in the UK. Here’s what you need to know:

When is it Taxable?

UK residents must declare all foreign savings interest, even if it was earned abroad.

Exchange Rate Considerations

Convert foreign interest into GBP using the HMRC exchange rate for the tax year.

Double Taxation Agreements (DTAs)

If you’ve already paid tax on your savings interest abroad, you may be able to claim foreign tax credit relief to avoid being taxed twice.

Reporting Savings Interest to HMRC

PAYE Taxpayers

For most people, savings interest is automatically considered in their tax code. HMRC adjusts your code based on information from your bank or building society.

Self-Assessment Taxpayers

If your interest exceeds the PSA or if you earn foreign interest, you must declare it through a self-assessment tax return. Include:

  • Total UK savings interest.

  • Foreign interest in the Foreign Income section.

Totals: How to Calculate and Aggregate Savings Interest

To calculate your total taxable savings interest:

  • Gather statements from all accounts for the tax year.

  • Add up the gross interest earned (before tax deductions).

  • Include both UK and foreign accounts.

  • Apply your allowances (PSA, starting rate for savings).

Children’s savings interest

Common Scenarios and FAQs

Exceeding the PSA

If your interest exceeds your PSA, you’ll pay tax on the excess at your marginal rate.

Joint Accounts

For joint accounts, interest is usually split equally between account holders unless otherwise agreed.

Minors

Children’s savings interest is generally tax-free, but large gifts from parents may be taxed as the parents’ income if it generates over £100 in interest.

Inherited Savings Accounts

Interest earned on inherited savings may still be taxable.

Avoiding and Reducing Tax on Savings Interest

Utilise Tax-Free Accounts

Max out your ISA allowance each year (£20,000 for the 2024/25 tax year).

Spousal Allowance Transfers

Shift savings to a spouse in a lower tax band.

Timing Withdrawals

Plan withdrawals to avoid exceeding the PSA in a given tax year.

Spousal Allowance Transfers

Conclusion

Understanding the taxation of savings interest is key to effective financial planning. By leveraging allowances like the PSA, optimising tax-free accounts, and accurately reporting all income, you can minimise your tax liability. 

At Bambridge Accountants, we specialise in international and cross-border tax matters, helping individuals navigate complex rules around UK and US tax. For tailored advice on managing cross-border tax issues, book a call with us.