Dividend vs SalaryCalculator 2026/27
Find the most tax-efficient pay structure for your limited company. Model your exact salary, dividend split, and corporation tax position — and see the true cost of every pound you take home.
Why the Salary/Dividend Mix Matters
Getting the balance wrong costs directors thousands each year. The optimal split depends on your company profit, personal income, and goals.
Too Much Salary
Every pound of salary above the personal allowance attracts income tax at 20–45% and employee NI at 8%, plus employer NI at 15% on earnings above £5,000. Extracting £50,000 as pure salary costs significantly more than extracting it as a salary/dividend mix.
Too Many Dividends
Once dividends exceed your £500 allowance and push you into the higher rate band (above £50,270 total income), dividend tax rises to 35.75%. At the additional rate threshold (£125,140+) it reaches 39.35%. And dividends can only be paid from retained profit after corporation tax.
The Sweet Spot
For most directors: a salary of £12,570 (using the full personal allowance) combined with dividends up to the basic rate threshold produces the lowest overall tax and NI burden. But company profit level, other income, pension contributions, and employment allowance eligibility all shift the optimum — which is exactly what the calculator models for you.
2026/27 Key Rates at a Glance
All the figures you need when modelling your director pay structure this tax year.
Optimal Director Salary
£12,570
Equal to personal allowance — no income tax due
Employer NI Cost at £12,570
£1,135.50
15% on salary above £5,000 secondary threshold
Corporation Tax (small profits)
19%
On profits up to £50,000. Marginal relief up to £250,000.
Corporation Tax (main rate)
25%
On profits of £250,000 or more
Dividend Allowance
£500
Tax-free dividend income before dividend tax applies
Dividend Tax Rates
10.75% / 35.75% / 39.35%
Basic / Higher / Additional rate bands
Common Director Pay Strategies
Three approaches used by UK limited company directors — each with a different tax profile depending on your circumstances.
Low Salary + Dividends
Best for: Profitable limited companies with a single director-shareholder
Advantages
- Minimal employer NI exposure
- Corporation tax deduction on salary
- Dividends taxed at lower rates than salary
Drawbacks
- Employer NI still due above £5,000 threshold
- Dividend tax once allowance exhausted
- Must maintain sufficient retained profit
Full Salary Up to Higher Rate
Best for: Directors who need mortgage affordability evidence or pension top-ups
Advantages
- Maximises pension contribution headroom
- Builds NI record for state pension
- Simplifies bookkeeping (no dividend admin)
Drawbacks
- Higher income tax and employee NI
- Full employer NI liability on all salary
- No corporation tax saving from retained profit
Mixed: Salary + Dividends + Pension
Best for: Directors with consistent £50k+ profits planning for retirement
Advantages
- Salary covers NI record and personal allowance
- Dividends bridge take-home to higher rate threshold
- Pension contributions reduce corporation tax further
Drawbacks
- Requires annual planning as profits vary
- More complex — accountant recommended
- Pension funds are locked until 57
Model your exact figures in under 60 seconds
Enter your company profit and see the optimum salary/dividend split with a full tax breakdown.
Open the CalculatorFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about director pay, dividends, and corporation tax for 2026/27.
Stop Leaving Money on the Table.
The right salary/dividend mix can save directors thousands in unnecessary tax every year. Run the numbers now — free, no account required.