Dividend Tax Calculator

Calculate exactly how much dividend tax you owe in 2026-27. Shows which rate bands apply and how dividends stack on top of your director salary.

Your income

2026-27 rates

Allowance£500 tax-free
Basic rate band8.75%
Higher rate band33.75%
Additional rate39.35%

Dividend tax

£2,581

Total tax

£2,581

Effective rate

6.1%

Full breakdown

Total income£42,570
Personal allowance£12,570
Dividend allowance (tax-free)£500
Dividends at 8.75% (basic)£29,500 → £2,581
Dividends at 33.75% (higher)£0 → £0
Dividends at 39.35% (additional)£0 → £0
Income tax on salary£0
Total dividend tax£2,581
Net take-home£39,989

How dividend tax works

  1. 1

    Dividends stack on top of salary

    When calculating which band your dividends fall into, your salary income fills the bands first. Dividends then start from where salary left off.

  2. 2

    £500 allowance first

    The first £500 of dividend income each year is tax-free. This applies regardless of your salary level.

  3. 3

    Basic rate band (8.75%)

    Dividends in the basic rate band (income up to £50,270) are taxed at 8.75%. Most directors with modest salary and dividends pay this rate.

  4. 4

    Watch the £100k trap

    Once total income exceeds £100,000 your personal allowance tapers, creating an effective 60% marginal rate up to £125,140. Pension contributions are the main mitigation.

HMRC sources

Disclaimer: For illustrative purposes only. Does not account for other income sources, Gift Aid, pension contributions, or other adjustments that may affect your tax position. Consult a qualified accountant.

FAQs