Submitting returns of information for ISA managers
Use this guidance to find out what you need to provide and how to make a return of information.
When you need to make a return
You must make a return of information to HMRC within 60 days of either of the following reporting dates:
- 5 April of each year (returns will therefore need to be made by 4 June)
- the date you cease to qualify, or act, as an Individual Savings Account (ISA) manager
At the end of February of the tax year in which the return is due, HMRC will send you a reminder of your obligation to make a return for that tax year.
What period you need to cover
You must cover the later of the period from the:
- date of your approval to act as an ISA manager
- last reporting date
What you must report on your return
You must report details of all ISAs and Junior ISAs you managed during the return period, including:
- ISAs opened with funds transferred from a matured Child Trust Fund (CTF) account when no instructions were given by the account holder when they reach age 18
- ISAs transferred in
- partial ISAs transferred in (current year subscriptions)
- ISAs that have been closed
You should not include details of ISAs transferred out in full, made void, or not proceeded with or cancelled within 30 days of opening in the return period.
If an investor holds more than one ISA with you, then you must report details of each ISA separately.
If you have any ‘continuing accounts’ of deceased investors, you must continue to report these ISAs using the:
- name and address of the deceased investor
- date of birth of the deceased investor
- National Insurance number of the deceased investor
For returns that include ISAs opened with matured funds from a CTF (when no instructions were given by the account holder when they become age 18), you must include either the:
- unique reference number for the child trust fund
- national insurance number
The return of ISA information must include an indicator that the ISA account represents a matured CTF account that was opened without instructions from the CTF account holder. There are 2 ISA types:
- ISA Type S is a stocks and shares ISA with investments from a matured CTF account
- ISA Type T is a cash ISA with cash from a matured CTF account
Lifetime ISAs
You must not include Lifetime ISAs on the ISAComm100 return of ISA account information.
Lifetime ISAs are reported on the Lifetime ISA Application Programming Interface (API). The latest version of the Lifetime Allowance App technical specifications is available on the developer hub.
More information on the content of the API reports is available in digital reporting for Lifetime ISAs.
How to make returns of Information
You can submit returns of information on either the:
Returns must conform to the specification and format described in this document. If your return does not conform to this specification, it may be rejected. In this case, you may be regarded as either having failed to make a return or as having made an incorrect return.
HMRC Spreadsheet
Instead of creating a flat text file in accordance with the ISA Electronic Flat Text File specification, you may make a return on the HMRC spreadsheet.
Conditional formatting
The spreadsheet template has conditional formatting that detects when specification requirements have not been met.
If you try to enter data in a protected field or use the wrong formatting, a pop-up message or highlighted fields will alert you of this. Refer to the guidance and re-enter the data correctly. Do not submit the spreadsheet until the issues are fixed.
The conditional formatting does not check the accuracy or suitability of the data you’re returning. The return may still fail when processed by HMRC.
Submission of returns
You will find details of how to submit your return in the notice we issued to you.
You can email tpi.c@hmrc.gov.uk for simple enquiries such as:
- checking if your return been received
- checking if your return passed or failed
- changing contact details
To request an additional sub number, closure of an existing sub number or for questions about submitting your return, email: DA.Enquiries@hmrc.gov.uk.
Penalties
You may be given a penalty under Schedule 23 of the Finance Act 2011 if you:
- fail to make a return of information
- make an incorrect return
Last updated 6 April 2024 + show all updates
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Managers must report details of partial ISAs transferred in during the current year. The penalties section has been updated to clarify that managers who fail to make a return, or make an incorrect return, may be issued a penalty.
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The 'Submission of returns' section has been updated, as you can no longer download a generic submission document.
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A new section about conditional formatting has been added.
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Sections under headings 'How to make returns of Information', 'HMRC Spreadsheet' and 'Submission of returns' have been updated. The 'Permitted media' section has been removed.
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First published.