Dividend Tax Rates 2023/24 - A Complete Guide for 2024 | Ryans Uk (2024)

As a UK business owner, understanding how much you can earn from your company’s dividends is crucial. With the 2023/24 financial year coming to a close and many of us submitting our self assessments, there are significant changes in dividend tax rates that you need to know about. These changes affect how much of your company’s profits you can take home.

In this guide, we’ll break down the latest dividend tax rates and what they mean for your business, ensuring you have all the information you need to optimise your earnings.

What Are Dividends?

Dividends are payments companies can make to their shareholders if they have made a profit. They’re a flexible way to manage your income and can be more tax-efficient compared to taking a larger salary.

Different Types of Dividends Explained

There are two types of dividends that a company can declare – final and interim.

Put simply, final dividends are those announced at the end of the financial year once the annual accounts have been approved and the company’s financial position is clear. Once the board of directors has met to discuss the dividends and the shareholders agree, the company is obliged to pay them.

Interim dividends are announced when the company does particularly well and earns surplus profits, before the annual financial accounts are completed. This means they can be paid more frequently, such as each quarter or on an as-and-when basis. Unlike final dividends, interim dividends are agreed by the board of directors and don’t need to be agreed by the shareholders.

Additionally, all shareholders are able to agree to cancel interim dividends, however, final dividends cannot be cancelled as once they are declared they must be issued.

Dividends as a Tax-Efficient Income Stream

Now, let’s talk about why dividends can be a smart choice for your pocket. For starters, dividends have their own tax rates, which are usually lower than income tax rates.

This means that, by taking a portion of your income as dividends, you might pay less tax compared to paying yourself a higher salary.

For limited company contractors, this is particularly important. Dividends don’t attract National Insurance contributions, which can lead to significant tax savings. This makes them an efficient way to extract profits from your company.

However, it’s not all plain sailing. There are caps on how much dividend income you can receive before you start paying tax on it, and these caps can change, like they have for the 2023/24 tax year. Understanding these limits is key to making dividends work for you.

Key Changes in Dividend Taxation for 2023/24

The 2023/24 financial year brings some notable changes in the way dividends are taxed, which are important for you to keep on top of. Let’s break down what’s new and what it means for your wallet.

The Reduced Dividend Allowance

For the 2023/24 financial year, the dividend allowance has been halved from £2,000 to £1,000. This means you can now earn up to £1,000 in dividends without paying any tax on them.

Previously, this tax-free buffer was £2,000. This change might seem small, but it can have a real impact on your tax bill, especially if you rely heavily on dividend income.

For individual investors and business owners, this means being more strategic about how you take income from your investments or company. The reduction in allowance could lead to higher tax bills if your dividend income is significant. It’s a heads-up to review your income strategy and perhaps consider other tax-efficient ways to compensate for this change.

Dividend Tax Rates for 2023/24

Despite the change in allowance, the actual rates you pay on dividends over £1,000 haven’t shifted. But it’s still vital to know what these dividend tax rates are:

Personal Allowance

The first £12,570 of your income is tax-free. This includes salary, dividends, and other income.

Basic Rate

For dividend income between £12,571 to £50,270, the tax rate is 8.75%. This is where most of the dividend income for basic rate taxpayers falls.

Higher Rate

Dividend income between £50,271 and £125,140 is taxed at 33.75%. If you’re in this bracket, you’ll need to be more mindful of how dividends impact your tax.

Additional Rate

For those earning above £125,140, the dividend tax rates hit 39.35%. This top band is where careful tax planning becomes crucial.

So, while the tax rates remain unchanged, the reduced allowance means that more of your dividend income will be subject to these rates. It’s essential to consider this when planning how much income to take as dividends. Remember, the goal is to balance your income sources in a way that keeps your tax bill as low as possible while still meeting your financial needs.

Calculating Your Dividend Tax

Getting to grips with how much tax you’ll pay on your dividends doesn’t have to be a headache. Here’s a straightforward, step-by-step guide to help you figure out your dividend tax.

Check Your Total Income

First, add up all your income sources – salary, dividends, rental income, etc. This total determines which tax band you fall into.

Apply Your Personal Allowance

Everyone has a tax-free personal allowance of £12,570. If your total income is within this range, you’re off the hook for tax on your dividends.

Calculate Dividend Income

Subtract your personal allowance and other income from your total income. The remainder is your dividend income.

Apply the Dividend Allowance

The first £1,000 of your dividend income is tax-free. If your dividends are less than this, you’re all done with taxes on them!

Tax the Remaining Dividends

Apply the appropriate tax rate to any dividends over £1,000. Remember, the rates are 8.75% for the basic rate, 33.75% for the higher rate, and 39.35% for the additional rate.

Sum Up Your Tax Bill

Add up the tax from each band to get your total dividend tax liability.

Calculating Dividend Tax Example

Let’s walk through an example with John, a limited company contractor. For the 2023/24 tax year, John’s income is as follows:

• Salary: £9,096
• Dividends: £42,000
• Rental Income: £12,000

First, we calculate his total income: £9,096 (salary) + £42,000 (dividends) + £12,000 (rental) = £63,096.

John’s personal allowance covers £12,570 of his income, tax-free. So, his taxable income is £63,096 – £12,570 = £50,526.

Next, we apply the dividend allowance. The first £1,000 of John’s dividend income is tax-free, leaving £41,000 in taxable dividends.

Now, let’s break down the tax:

Basic Rate Band (up to £50,270)

John’s remaining taxable income falls within this band. But, remember, the salary and rental income eat up part of this band too. So, the calculation goes like this:

• Salary and Rental Income: £9,096 (salary) + £12,000 (rental) = £21,096.
• Remaining Basic Rate Band for Dividends: £50,270 – £21,096 = £29,174.
• Tax on Dividends in Basic Rate Band: £29,174 at 8.75% = £2,552.22.

Higher Rate Band (over £50,270)

The rest of John’s dividends fall into the higher rate band.

• Dividends in Higher Rate Band: £41,000 (taxable dividends) – £29,174 (taxed at basic rate) = £11,826.
• Tax on these Dividends: £11,826 at 33.75% = £3,993.77.

So, John’s total dividend tax for the year is £2,552.22 (basic rate) + £3,993.77 (higher rate) = £6,545.99.

This example shows how different sources of income and the new dividend allowance impact your tax calculations. It’s a balancing act, but with a clear understanding of these steps, you’re well-equipped to navigate your dividend tax effectively.

Remember, every situation is unique, so it’s always wise to run your specific numbers or seek professional advice if you’re unsure.

​​Tax-Efficient Strategies for Dividends

When it comes to dividends, it’s not just about how much you earn, but how smartly you manage them. Let’s dive into some strategies that can help you keep more of your dividend income in your pocket.

Retained earnings are your business’s profits after paying corporation tax, and they are the pool from which dividends can be paid.

It’s important to ensure that your company has enough retained earnings before declaring dividends. Paying out more than your retained earnings is not just a financial misstep; it’s legally off-limits. So, keeping a keen eye on your company’s profits after tax is crucial.

Also, consider your personal tax position when deciding how much to pay yourself in dividends. The aim is to distribute dividends in a way that maximises your tax-efficiency. This often means balancing your salary and dividends to stay within a lower tax band.

Remember, while it’s tempting to take out large dividends when your company is doing well, it’s wise to think long-term. Leaving some profits in the company can be beneficial for future investments, rainy days, or smoothing out your income in leaner times.

Investment Schemes and Tax Relief

There are a few investment schemes that can complement your dividend strategy by offering tax relief. Let’s look at a couple:

Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS)

The Enterprise Investment Scheme is designed to help smaller, higher-risk companies raise finance by offering tax relief to investors. If you invest in an EIS-eligible company, you can claim up to 30% tax relief on investments of up to £1 million per tax year. Plus, any gains on the investment are tax-free, as long as you hold the shares for at least three years.

Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS)

Similar to EIS, but for even smaller and younger companies, SEIS offers a whopping 50% tax relief on investments up to £100,000 per tax year. It’s a higher risk, but the tax relief is correspondingly more generous.

Venture Capital Trusts (VCTs)

These are companies that invest in small, unquoted firms and offer 30% tax relief on investments up to £200,000 per tax year, provided the shares are held for at least five years.

These schemes can be a win-win – supporting small businesses while reducing your overall tax liability.

However, they do come with risks and are not suitable for everyone. It’s crucial to understand the risks and consider whether they align with your investment goals and risk tolerance.

By smartly managing your dividend payments and exploring tax relief options, you can potentially reduce your tax bill while supporting the growth of your business and the wider economy.

It’s about finding the balance that works for you – optimising your income and investments while navigating the tax implications. As always, it’s a good idea to get tailored advice from a financial expert to make sure these strategies align well with your overall financial plan.

Self-Assessment Submission for Dividend Tax

Handling dividend tax might seem daunting, but staying compliant is all about keeping things orderly and meeting deadlines. If you receive dividend income, it’s likely you’ll need to report it to HMRC via a self-assessment tax return. This is how it works:

Register for Self-Assessment

If you haven’t already, you’ll need to register for self assessment with HMRC. This is crucial if your dividend income exceeds your tax-free allowance.

Gather Your Documents

Compile all your financial records, including dividend vouchers, which show the dividend amount and tax credit.

Fill in Your Tax Return

Report your dividend income in the self-assessment tax return. This includes the gross dividend amount (the dividend plus the tax credit) and the tax credit amount.

Submit and Pay

Once you’ve filled out your tax return, submit it to HMRC. The deadline is 31 January following the end of the tax year. Ensure you pay any tax due by this date to avoid penalties.

Staying Compliant with HMRC

Meeting HMRC deadlines and reporting accurately is non-negotiable. Here’s why it’s essential:

Avoid Penalties

Late submissions and payments can lead to penalties of £100 if you’re up to 3 months overdue. Any longer and you can expect even heftier fines. Staying on schedule keeps you penalty-free.

Accurate Reporting

Mistakes or omissions can lead to an HMRC inquiry. Accurate reporting of your dividend income ensures you’re paying the right amount of tax.

Peace of Mind

Knowing you’ve handled your tax affairs correctly gives you peace of mind and lets you focus on what you do best – running your business.

Keeping track of deadlines and ensuring accurate reporting might sound like a lot, but it’s manageable with a bit of organisation. Consider using accounting software or a bookkeeping accountants such as Ryans to help keep things in order. They can be a lifesaver when it comes to managing your financial data and ensuring everything is reported correctly and on time.

Remember, staying compliant isn’t just about following rules; it’s about protecting your business and your financial well-being. By keeping your records straight, staying informed about any changes in tax laws, and meeting your reporting obligations, you can avoid unnecessary stress and focus on growing your business. And if you’re ever in doubt, don’t hesitate to seek advice from a tax professional – it’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to tax matters.

Advanced Considerations

When managing your finances, it’s important to look at the big picture. This means understanding how different types of income, like capital gains and salary, interact with your dividend income. Getting this right can make a big difference to your overall tax bill.

Capital Gains and Dividend Income

Capital gains – the profit you make from selling assets like shares or property – have their own tax rules, separate from dividend income. However, they can still influence your tax situation. Here’s why:

Separate Allowances

Capital gains have their own tax-free allowance (called the Annual Exempt Amount). For the 2023/24 tax year, it’s £6,000. This is separate from your dividend allowance and personal income tax allowance.

Interplay with Tax Bands

While capital gains don’t directly affect your income tax bands, the amount of gain can push your overall income into a higher tax bracket, impacting how much tax you pay on your dividends.

Tax Rate Differences

Capital gains tax rates are different from dividend tax rates, often lower. So, it’s worth considering the most tax-efficient way to realise gains, especially if you’re close to a higher income tax bracket.

Practical Advice for Business Owners and Investors

Running a business or managing investments requires juggling a lot of responsibilities, and one of them is ensuring a steady cash flow. Here are some practical tips for business owners and investors to manage their finances effectively, especially when it comes to dividends.

Strategies for Smoother Cash Flow

• Plan Dividend Payments Wisely: Time your dividend payments to align with your cash flow needs. Consider paying dividends at intervals that match your personal financial requirements and the profitability of your business.
• Maintain a Cash Reserve: It’s always wise to have a buffer. Keeping a reserve of cash in your business can help you handle unexpected expenses or downturns without disrupting dividend payments.
• Monitor Business Profitability: Regularly review your business profits. Remember, dividends can only be paid out of profits, so it’s important to keep a close eye on your company’s financial health.
• Diversify Income Sources: Don’t rely solely on dividends as your income source. Diversifying can help stabilise your overall income, especially if dividend payouts fluctuate.
• Invest in Growth: Reinvesting some profits back into the business can spur growth, which can lead to higher profits and, subsequently, higher dividends in the future.

Professional Guidance on Dividend Taxation

Navigating the complexities of dividend taxation can be challenging. Here’s why seeking professional advice can be a game-changer:

Tailored Strategies

Tax professionals such as Ryans Chartered Accountants can provide personalised advice that considers your unique financial situation. This means you get strategies that are specifically designed for your income mix, investment portfolio, and long-term goals.

Staying Compliant

Tax laws can be intricate and ever-changing. Tax experts like our team at Ryans are constantly staying ahead of these changes and can help ensure that you remain compliant, avoiding potential fines and penalties.

Maximising Tax Efficiency

Professionals can help you structure your finances to make the most of tax allowances and reliefs. This might involve balancing salary and dividend payments, or utilising tax-efficient investment schemes.

Future Planning

A good advisor doesn’t just look at your current tax situation; they help you plan for the future. This could involve succession planning for your business, retirement planning, or estate planning to ensure your wealth is passed on efficiently.

Peace of Mind

Knowing that a professional is managing your tax affairs can give you the confidence to focus on what you do best – running your business and making savvy investments.

Expert Tax Planning with Ryans

Managing your business finances and navigating dividend taxation can seem like a daunting task but with the right strategies and professional guidance, it doesn’t have to be complex. By staying informed, planning ahead, and seeking expert advice when needed, you can ensure smooth financial management and make the most of your hard-earned money.

Get in touch with our team of experts today to find out more about how we can help you.

Dividends FAQs

How are dividends taxed in 2023/24?

For the 2023/24 tax year, dividend taxation works like this: The first £1,000 of your dividend income is covered by your dividend allowance and is tax-free. Beyond this, the dividend tax rates you pay depends on which income tax band you fall into. The rates are:

• 8.75% for dividends falling within the basic rate band (for income between £12,570 and £50,270).
• 33.75% for the higher rate band (income between £50,270 and £125,140).
• 39.35% for the additional rate band (income over £125,140).

What is the dividend allowance for the 2023/24 tax year?

In the 2023/24 tax year, the dividend allowance – the amount you can earn in dividends before paying tax on them – is £1,000. This is a reduction from the previous year’s allowance of £2,000, so it’s something to keep in mind when planning your finances.

Do I need to report all my dividend income?

Yes, you need to report all your dividend income on your self-assessment tax return if it’s above your dividend allowance, even if the tax due is zero. This is important for ensuring you’re fully compliant with HMRC regulations.

Can I carry over any unused dividend allowance to the next year?

No, unfortunately, the dividend allowance doesn’t roll over. You have to use it within the tax year; any unused portion of the allowance is lost once the tax year ends. This means it’s important to plan your dividend income wisely within each tax year.

If my dividends are within my allowance, do I still need to declare them?

If your total dividend income is within your £1,000 allowance and you don’t need to fill in a tax return for other reasons, you don’t have to declare these dividends. However, if you are already completing a self-assessment for other income, it’s best to declare all your dividends, even if they are within the allowance.

How do dividends impact my overall tax liability?

Dividends can increase your overall taxable income, potentially pushing you into a higher tax bracket. This means it’s crucial to consider your total income from all sources – salary, rental income, interest, and dividends – to understand your full tax liability.