Paying yourself through a limited company is not as simple as transferring money directly from the business account to your personal account. Companies are distinct legal entities separate from their owners, which means specific procedures must be followed to withdraw funds for personal use.
As both a director and shareholder, you have options regarding how to remunerate yourself. The two most common methods are a director’s salary and shareholder dividends.
Though more complex than drawing funds from a sole proprietorship, these methods can offer significant tax efficiency. But which is the optimal choice: a salary, dividends, or a combination of both?
This article outlines key factors to consider when determining the best approach to paying yourself. The tax rates and thresholds referenced apply to the 2024–25 tax year, ending on 6 April 2025.
Tax on Salaries
Most company directors opt to pay themselves a salary through their company. Income exceeding the standard Personal Allowance of £12,570 annually is subject to Income Tax.
The Personal Allowance is the amount of income you can earn tax-free each year. However, it is reduced by £1 for every £2 of taxable income above £100,000. Consequently, if your taxable income reaches £125,140 or more, your Personal Allowance is reduced to zero.
INCOME TAX RATES IN ENGLAND, WALES AND NORTHERN IRELAND | ||
TAX BAND | TAX RATE | TAXABLE INCOME RANGE |
BASIC RATE | 20% | £12,571.00 - £50,270.00 |
HIGHER RATE | 40% | £50,271.00 - £125,140.00 |
ADDITIONAL RATE | 45% | Over £125,140.00 |
For residents of Scotland, different tax bands and rates apply:
INCOME TAX RATES IN SCOTLAND | ||
TAX BAND | TAX RATE | TAXABLE INCOME RANGE |
STARTER RATE | 19% | £12,571.00 - £14,876.00 |
BASIC RATE | 20% | £14,877 - £26,561.00 |
INTERMEDIATE RATE | 21% | £26,562.00 - £43,662.00 |
HIGHER RATE | 42% | £43,663.00 - £75,000.00 |
ADVANCED RATE | 45% | £75,001.00 - £125,140.00 |
TOP RATE | 48% | Over £125,140.00 |
National Insurance Contributions (NIC)
In addition to Income Tax, Class 1 National Insurance Contributions (NIC) are due if your salary exceeds the Primary Threshold of £12,570 annually. The rates are as follows:
NIC RATE | ANNUAL EARNINGS THRESHOLD |
8% | £12,571.00 - £50,270.00 |
2% | Over £50,270.00 |
Employer NICs are also payable at 13.8% on salaries above £9,100. Note that from 6 April 2025, this rate will increase to 15%, with the threshold reduced to £5,000 per year as per the Autumn Budget announcement of 30 October 2024.
Registering as an Employer
If you decide to take a director’s salary, you may need to register your company as an employer with HMRC under the Pay As You Earn (PAYE) scheme.
PAYE ensures the deduction of Income Tax, NICs, and other levies, which are remitted to HMRC monthly. Registration is necessary if your company:
Pays any employee (including directors) at least £123 per week (£6,396 annually).
Employs individuals with additional jobs or pensions.
Provides expenses or benefits to employees or directors.
Tax on Dividends
Dividend income is taxed differently from salary. It is not processed through PAYE and is not subject to NIC. Dividends are paid from post-tax company profits, resulting in lower personal tax rates.
Dividend Tax Rates for 2024-25:
TAX BAND | TAX RATE | ANNUAL TAXABLE INCOME RAGE |
BASIC RATE | 8.75% | £13,070.00 - £50,270.00 |
HIGHER RATE | 33.75% | £50,271.00 - £125,140.00 |
ADDITIONAL RATE | 39.35% | Over £125,140.00 |
Tax-Efficient Salary and Dividend Combination
A common strategy involves paying a modest salary to meet NIC thresholds while taking the remainder as dividends. For instance, extracting £80,000 as a combination of salary (£9,100) and dividends (£70,900) would yield a tax-efficient outcome.
DESCRIPTION | ANNUAL AMOUNT |
DIRECTOR'S SALARY | £9,100.00 |
GROSS DIVIDEND INCOME | £70,900.00 |
TOTAL TAX LIABILITY | £13,289.00 |
TAKE-HOME PAY | £66,711.00 |
Conclusion
Choosing between salary and dividends requires careful consideration of tax implications, NIC liabilities, and business expenses. A well-planned combination can provide optimal tax efficiency, balancing the benefits of reduced Corporation Tax and NIC obligations.
For expert assistance in navigating these complexities, consider our service at West London Accounting
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