Contractor Guide to Dividends
What are dividends?
Quite simply, dividends are an additional (and alternative) way of paying yourself from the profits available in the company. Dividends are a portion of the company’s earnings that are returned to shareholders i.e. you the contractor; this is profit you receive after tax.
How do dividends work?
Some limited company shareholders receive a salary they draw from the company, this attracts both employers and employees National Insurance, with the remaining profits taken as a dividend which does not attract National Insurance. Of course company owners don’t need to take all available funds from their company, they can leave the money within the company and make use of tax planning (we would advice speaking to an accountant about this).
What if there are two or more shareholders?
On the whole if there are two shareholders (this could be two contractors or a family partnership arrangement), all shareholders will receive their dividends at the same time e.g. two contractors, both with 50% shareholding, will receive 50% of whatever dividend is taken, even if one contractor did all the work and the other was on holiday. This is an important consideration if choosing to go into a partnership as disputes about workload often occur at dividend time.
When and how often can dividends be taken?
Dividends can be paid at anytime providing there are available profits. It’s entirely up to you when and how much you pay, they are your profits after all.
What is a dividend declaration / dividend voucher?
A dividend voucher is simply a way to keep a record of when, how much and who has received a dividend.
‘Declaring a Dividend’ is also an official record / receipt of payment. Download your Dividend Voucher Template.
The dividend voucher should include your:
- Limited company name
- Name and address of shareholder
- Total number or percentage of shares owned by shareholder
- Amount of tax credit
- Dividend amount paid
- Date
- Signature of the company director
Do I need to be inside or outside IR35 to be eligible to be paid through dividends?
You must be outside IR35 to receive dividend payments.
Do I pay tax on Dividends?
Yes. It’s a little complex due to issue around allowances, dividend tax credits, and the fact that company profits have already been taxed, but as a rough guide once you have exceeded the combined total of your personal allowance and basic rate tax band, the overall rates are similar to the personal higher tax bracket of 40%.
We hope you found this guide useful. If you have any further questions about dividends or contracting then please contact us on 0500 152500 / 01442 275789 or email michelle.turbutt@sjdaccountancy.com
SJD Accountancy
SJD Accountancy are the UK's largest specialist provider of fixed fee, limited company accountancy services to contractors; we've been acting for contractors across the UK since 1992 and have more than 11,000 clients.
We are the only National specialist firm of accountants with offices in all major UK cities so you’ll never be far from your accountant. SJD also have more qualified staff than any other firm in our market with qualifications from the following major tax and accountancy bodies - ATII, ATT, ACCA, CA, ACA, FCCA, ACMA. You’ll also be pleased to know that we are one of the lowest priced as well.
Free face-to-face meetings. This is another unique service, only SJD offers free face to face meetings - tax is complicated and sometimes only a meeting will do.
Unlimited access to your own dedicated accountant. No call centres, no outsourcing, no automated call handling. Simply telephone, e-mail or meet your own dedicated accountant face to face.
Money back service guarantee. All your telephone calls and e-mails will be answered the same day or we will refund your monthly fee's.
Outstanding reputation. We have won more awards for customer service and accountancy excellence than any other firm in our market.
All inclusive low cost monthly package which includes completion of accounts, payroll bureau, dividends and corporation tax computations, personal taxation, free bookkeeping software, unlimited access to your accountant and all company returns. All this for a fixed monthly fee of £110 plus VAT, which is one of the lowest prices in the market.
If you have any questions about contracting or would like any further advice please either contact your SJD Accountant or call our new client services helpdesk on 0500 152500 / 01442 275789 or email: nikki.hanlon@sjdaccountancy.com.
Appoint SJD Accountancy and never worry about your tax or accountancy affairs again!
You may also find the following pages, guides and case studies useful:
Take home pay calculator - How much could you be taking home
Contractor FAQ - All your frequently asked questions and their answers
First time Contracting or Freelancing? - A summary of the alternatives along with pros and cons
Choosing an accountant - For a full review
Step-by-step Guide to Contracting - Download a FREE copy of our guide
Limited or Umbrella? Can't decide? - We help you decide which is best for you
Guide to Contracting - All the best guides to contracting in one place
Expenses Guide - Know exactly what you can claim
Umbrella company guide - Everything you ever wanted to know about umbrella company services
IR35 Guide - A great plain English guide to IR35
