UK investment tax, minus the strain

How your dividend tax is calculated

Tax on dividends is calculated pretty much the same way as tax on any other income.

The biggest difference is the tax rates – instead of the usual 20%, 40%, 45% (depending on your tax band), you’ll be taxed at 7.5%, 32.5%, and 38.1%.

The numbers look strange but the reason is simple: the company paying you those dividends already paid corporate tax, so you’re paying the difference.

This is mostly relevant if you own your company and you’re trying to decide the best way to pay yourself: dividends or salary. Keep in mind that if you pay from your salary, you also need to pay National Insurance.

In your case you earned £3,000 in dividends and £29,000 in other income (this can be salary, rent, etc.).

Dividend Tax

You don’t pay any dividend tax on the first £2,000 you make in dividends.

You pay 7.5% on the next £1,000

Call HMRC on 0300 200 3300 so they can change your tax code – you’ll pay the dividend tax through your salary or pension.

If you normally file a tax return, you can also pay dividend tax through it.