Dividend Tax Calculator 2026/27
Calculate tax on dividend income for UK company directors and shareholders. Includes the £500 dividend allowance and salary + dividend tax stacking.
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Dividend Tax Rates 2026/27
| Band | Income Range (total) | Dividend Tax Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Allowance | Up to £12,570 | 0% |
| Dividend Allowance | £500 | 0% |
| Basic Rate | £12,571 – £50,270 | 8.75% |
| Higher Rate | £50,271 – £125,140 | 33.75% |
| Additional Rate | Over £125,140 | 39.35% |
Dividends are always taxed on top of your salary and other income. Your salary uses up the Personal Allowance and basic rate band first, then dividends are stacked on top and taxed at the appropriate dividend rate.
The Optimal Director Salary for 2026/27
Most limited company directors take a low salary plus dividends. The sweet spot for 2026/27:
- Salary: £12,570 (the Personal Allowance limit) — no Income Tax, minimal Employee NICs
- Dividends: Rest of income — taxed at lower dividend rates than salary
This structure is more tax-efficient than taking a higher salary because: dividends don't attract NICs (saving 8% Employee + 13.8% Employer), and dividend tax rates (8.75%-39.35%) are lower than Income Tax + NIC rates on salary (28.25%-52.25% effective).
Example: A director taking £12,570 salary + £50,000 dividends pays approximately £8,700 in tax. The same £62,570 as pure salary would cost roughly £16,800 in tax + NICs. The limited company structure saves around £8,100.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the dividend allowance for 2026/27?
The dividend allowance is £500 for the 2026/27 tax year. This means the first £500 of dividend income is tax-free, regardless of your other income. This allowance sits within your basic or higher rate band — it doesn't increase the size of the band, it just means dividends within it are taxed at 0%.
Do I pay NICs on dividends?
No. Dividends do not attract National Insurance contributions — neither Employee NICs (Class 1) nor Employer NICs (Class 1 secondary). This is the main reason the salary + dividends structure is tax-efficient for company directors. The saving on NICs alone can be substantial compared to taking the same amount as salary.
How do I report dividend income?
If your total dividends are under £500, no reporting is needed (covered by the allowance). If they're over £500, you must report through Self Assessment. Company directors must also file annual accounts and a Corporation Tax return. The deadline for online Self Assessment is 31 January following the tax year end.