Avoiding tax on ATM and Credit Card

Hi all,
I'm in the process of switching all my accounts to a new bank, as I'm sick and tired of the level of service and incompetence with my current bank (hint: it's one of the big ones).
Anyway, as I've already been taxed on my current account, €20, and on my credit card, €40, I would like to avoid paying this again. Am I right assuming that if I closed all my accounts now and opened new accounts with another bank I would be charged tax again?
If so, the only way I can see to avoid this is to cancel my credit card altogether until next April. As for a current account, I would have to live without an ATM card until next April.
Is this the only way to avoid paying the tax twice, even though I don't intend holding 2 sets of accounts open at the same time?
Thanks for any advice

Yes I'm afraid. You will be charged on closing for the last (part) year i.e. april 04 to dec 04 and again on 1st of April for the last (part) year dec 04 to Mar 05. Most banks have a seperate CC so keep that open till March and then close before MAr 31st and open new one in April. One point to note is keep an eye on the budget in case they change this in December.

Thanks Elcato.
I was expecting that alright. I'll take the advise about waiting for the budget, but no longer than that. I'd rather give the government my money than that useless "financial institution".

Hi

A couple of quick suggestions:

- Minimise the number of accounts, be they current accounts, credit cards etc.

- Consider Credit Card providers such as Pigsback(MBNA) where you can get 2,000 Pigsback Points (worth *€20) when you sign up, to offset the cost. Likewise, see if Ulster still do that offer, where they pay your €40 pa if you spend €5k pa (think this was the deal ?)

- When you next see your local politican, tell him how much he owes you & that you won't be voting for him next time unless he refunds you in full, every year from now on !

Cheers

G>