Director Tax Articles

In-depth analysis, practical guides, and worked examples for UK limited company directors. All updated for 2026-27.

Tax Planning 8 min 6 April 2026

The Optimal Salary and Dividend Split for Directors in 2026-27

With employer NI now at 15% from a £5,000 threshold, the optimal salary/dividend split has shifted. We model the numbers for three profit levels.

Read article
Payroll & NI 6 min

Employer NI Changes April 2025: The Full Impact for Solo Directors

The employer NI rate rose to 15% and threshold dropped to £5,000 in April 2025. Here's exactly what it costs directors and how to mitigate it.

Read 6 April 2026
Tax Planning 7 min

Pension vs Dividends: Which Is Better for Directors in 2026-27?

Once you've filled the basic rate band with dividends, should additional profits go into a pension or be extracted as higher-rate dividends? The maths explained.

Read 6 April 2026
Tax Planning 6 min

The £100k Trap: How Directors Can Avoid the 60% Marginal Tax Rate

Income above £100,000 triggers a personal allowance taper creating a 60% effective rate. Here are the four strategies directors use to avoid it.

Read 6 April 2026
IR35 8 min

IR35 Reform: What Every Contractor Needs to Know in 2026

The off-payroll working rules are now embedded across the public and private sector. Here's how to protect your outside-IR35 status and what to do if caught inside.

Read 6 April 2026
VAT 6 min

Is the VAT Flat Rate Scheme Still Worth It for IT Contractors in 2026?

The limited cost trader rule means most IT contractors pay 16.5% FRS — making the scheme barely profitable. Here's the honest analysis.

Read 6 April 2026
Corporation Tax 5 min

Corporation Tax Marginal Relief: Planning Around the 26.5% Band

Profits between £50,000 and £250,000 face a 26.5% effective marginal rate — higher than the main rate. Here's how to plan around it.

Read 6 April 2026
Expenses 6 min

Home Office Tax Claim for Directors 2026-27: Complete Guide

The flat rate vs apportioned method — which saves more, the CGT risk to avoid, and a worked example for a director working from a 4-bedroom home.

Read 6 April 2026
Expenses 7 min

Limited Company Expenses: What You Can and Cannot Claim in 2026-27

The definitive list of allowable and disallowable expenses for UK limited companies — with HMRC rule references and practical tips for directors.

Read 6 April 2026
Making Tax Digital 5 min

Making Tax Digital for Income Tax: What Directors Need to Do Before April 2026

MTD ITSA affects directors with self-employment or property income above £50,000 from April 2026. The deadlines, the software, and whether you're in scope.

Read 1 March 2026

Calculate your tax position

Use our interactive calculators to apply these insights to your own numbers.

Open calculators