If you run a limited company and pay yourself a combination of salary and dividends — as many small business owners do — an important tax change came into effect in April 2026 that may increase your personal tax bill.
What has changed?
From 6 April 2026, the tax rates on dividends increased across the board. The basic rate rose from 8.75% to 10.75%, and the higher rate from 33.75% to 35.75%.
What does this mean in practice?
For director-shareholders who pay themselves through a mix of salary and dividends, the most tax-efficient split between the two may have changed. The calculation that worked well in previous years may no longer be optimal, and the difference between a reviewed and an unreviewed arrangement can add up over a full tax year.
What should you do?
If you have not reviewed your remuneration structure since April 2026, now is a sensible time to do so. This is particularly relevant if your income has changed, or if you are approaching a higher rate tax threshold.
How we can help
At Capital Force One, we help director-shareholders structure their remuneration in the most tax-efficient way within HMRC rules. Get in touch for a free initial consultation to find out whether your current arrangement is still working as hard as it should be.
Review your remuneration structure
A short conversation could identify whether your current salary and dividend split is still optimal under the new rates.
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