Are Junior ISA Contributions Tax Deductible?

2 min read

When planning for your child’s financial future, a Junior ISA (JISA) is often one of the first tools parents and guardians consider. But a common question arises: Are contributions to a Junior ISA tax deductible?

The Short Answer: No, They’re Not

Unlike pension contributions, which can reduce your taxable income, Junior ISA contributions are not tax deductible. That means you won’t get any immediate tax relief when you pay into one. However, that doesn’t mean they’re not tax-efficient—far from it.

So Why Use a Junior ISA?

While you don’t get a tax deduction on the way in, the real benefit of a Junior ISA lies in what happens next:

Tax-free growth: Any interest earned in a Cash Junior ISA or investment gains in a Stocks and Shares Junior ISA are completely free from Income Tax and Capital Gains Tax.
No tax on withdrawals: When your child turns 18 and gains access to the funds, they won’t pay tax on the money they withdraw—no matter how much it’s grown.
Separate from your own ISA allowance: The Junior ISA allowance (currently £9,000 per child for the 2025/26 tax year) is completely separate from your own £20,000 adult ISA allowance.

Who Can Contribute?

Anyone—parents, grandparents, friends—can contribute to a child’s Junior ISA, as long as the total stays within the annual limit. But only a parent or legal guardian can open the account.

A Note on Inheritance Tax

If you’re thinking long-term, contributing to a Junior ISA could also help reduce your estate’s liability for Inheritance Tax. Gifts into a JISA may fall under the annual gifting exemption or be exempt if you survive seven years after making the gift.

Final Thoughts

While Junior ISA contributions don’t offer upfront tax deductions, they provide a powerful way to grow your child’s savings completely tax-free. Think of it as a long-term gift that keeps on giving—without the taxman taking a slice.