Dividend Tax Allowances Calculator 2022/ 2023

The UK had a system of dividend tax allowances that allows individuals to receive a certain amount of dividends tax-free. However, tax rules and allowances can change, so it's essential to check the most up-to-date information from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) or consult with a Limited Company Accountant for the latest details. Here's a general overview of how dividend tax allowances work in the UK:

1. Dividend Allowance: The dividend tax allowance was introduced in April 2016 to replace the previous system of dividend tax credits. The allowance allowed individuals to receive a certain amount of dividend income tax-free within each tax year.
2. Amount of Dividend Allowance: The dividend allowance has changed from £5,000 to £2,000 and now £1,000 per tax year. This means that you could receive up to £1,000 of dividend income without paying any tax on it.
3. Tax on Dividend Income Above Allowance: If your total dividend income exceeded the dividend allowance for the tax year, you were required to pay tax on the excess amount. The tax rates on dividend income depended on your total taxable income and the tax band you fell into:
4. Basic Rate Taxpayers: Dividends above the dividend allowance but within the basic rate band are taxed at 7.5%.
5. Higher Rate Taxpayers: Dividends above the dividend allowance and within the higher rate band are taxed at 32.5%.
6. Additional Rate Taxpayers: Dividends above the dividend allowance and within the additional rate band are taxed at 38.1%.
7. Reporting Dividend Income: Individuals who received dividends were required to report this income on their self-assessment tax returns to HMRC. The dividend income would be entered separately on the tax return, along with other sources of income.
8. Impact on Total Tax Liability: Dividend income could affect your overall tax liability, as it would be added to other sources of income when calculating your total tax owed.

Dividend Tax Credits (Historical Context): Before the dividend allowance system was introduced in 2016, the UK had a system of dividend tax credits. Under this system, a notional tax credit was applied to dividends received. This tax credit was used to account for tax already paid by the company on its profits before distributing dividends. However, the dividend tax credit system was phased out with the introduction of the dividend allowance.

Please note that tax rules and allowances can change over time, and new legislation may have been introduced almost annually. It's crucial to check the latest information from HMRC or consult with a tax advisor to understand the current dividend tax rules and allowances in the UK and how they may apply to your specific financial situation.