How dividends are taxed

by Aitch, posted in Income Tax

Dividends are taxed differently from other types of income, with separate allowances and tax rates that depend on your overall level of income. You do not pay tax on dividends that fall within your Personal Allowance (2026-27: £12,570), and there is also a separate tax-free dividend allowance of £500 each year. Any dividend income above these allowances is taxable.

The rate of tax you pay on dividends depends on your Income Tax band.

For the 2026–27 tax year, the rates are:

  • Basic rate: 10.75%
  • Higher rate: 35.75%
  • Additional rate: 39.35%

To determine which rate applies, your dividend income is added to your other income. This means dividends can push you into a higher tax band and / or can be taxed across more than one rate.

If you receive up to £10,000 in dividends you can ask HMRC to change your tax code and the tax due will be taken from your wages or pension, or you can enter the dividends on your self-assessment tax return, if you already fill one in. You do not need to notify HMRC if the dividends you receive are within your dividend allowance for the tax year.

If you have received over £10,000 in dividends, you will need to complete a self-assessment tax return. If you do not usually send a tax return, you need to register by 5 October following the tax year in which you received the relevant dividend income.

Source:HM Revenue & Customs | 04-05-2026
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Aitch
I'm Aitch, the Founder and CEO of CIGMA Accounting Ltd. As a Chartered Management Accountant and as a CIMA member, I've spent more than 16 years helping businesses, entrepreneurs, landlords, and individuals with tax planning, accounting, and HMRC compliance. As a chartered accountant in London, I'm passionate about making complex tax matters easier to understand and helping clients make confident financial decisions. Over the years, I've advised start-ups, SMEs, established companies, and high-net-worth individuals across a wide range of tax and accounting matters. My expertise includes Corporation Tax, Self-Assessment, Capital Gains Tax, Inheritance Tax planning, R&D tax relief, capital allowances, international tax, and resolving complex HMRC compliance issues. Whether clients need a business accountant, tax accountant, or strategic tax advisor, my focus is always on delivering practical advice that creates long-term value. One of my specialist areas is Making Tax Digital (MTD). I've worked extensively with businesses preparing HMRC's digital reporting requirements, helping them move to cloud accounting, improve financial processes, and adopt technology that makes compliance more efficient. I regularly speak at Making Tax Digital roadshows, industry events, and educational sessions in collaboration with Zoho Books, sharing practical insights into digital accounting, tax legislation, and the future of the profession. Many business owners looking for the best accounting firm in London are not simply searching for an accountant they're looking for trusted advice, responsive support, and long-term value. That's the approach I've taken in building CIGMA Accounting. My team and I work closely with businesses across London and the UK, providing accounting services, tax advisory, bookkeeping, payroll, VAT, company accounts, and strategic tax planning tailored to each client's goals. Through this website, I share practical guidance on UK taxation, Making Tax Digital, HMRC updates, Corporation Tax, Self-Assessment, and business finance. My aim is to provide reliable, straightforward information that helps business owners understand changing regulations, reduce compliance risks, and make informed financial decisions with confidence.
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