In the UK, savings accounts are subject to taxes. However, the amount of tax you have to pay depends on your total taxable income, including interest from your savings. If you are a basic rate taxpayer, you will pay 20% tax on your savings interest. If you are a higher-rate taxpayer, you will pay 40% tax on your savings interest.
In the UK, you have a Personal Savings Allowance (PSA) that allows you to earn a certain amount of interest from savings tax-free. For basic rate taxpayers, the PSA is £1,000 per year, while for higher rate taxpayers, it is £500 per year. If you earn more than the PSA amount, the excess interest is taxed at your marginal rate.
For example, if you are a basic rate taxpayer and earn £1,200 from your savings, £200 of this interest will be taxed. If you are a higher-rate taxpayer and earn £1,500 from your savings, £1,000 is tax-free and the remaining £500 will be taxed at 40%.
Additionally, some savings accounts may also offer tax-free interest, such as ISAs (Individual Savings Accounts). ISAs are savings accounts that allow you to save up to £20,000 per year without paying tax on the interest you earn. There are several types of ISAs available, including Cash ISAs, Stocks and Shares ISAs, and Lifetime ISAs.
It's important to note that while ISA interest is tax-free, it is still considered when calculating your taxable income for other purposes, such as determining your eligibility for certain benefits or tax credits.
In conclusion, savings account interest in the UK is subject to taxes. The amount of tax you have to pay depends on your taxable income and the amount of interest earned from your savings. The Personal Savings Allowance and ISAs provide tax benefits for savings account holders. It's important to understand the tax implications of your savings accounts to ensure you are paying the correct amount of tax.