Not quite as catchy as the traditional Bonfire night rhyme but important to remember.
Recent changes to personal tax mean that many Directors of businesses who take their money in the form of dividends will face a tax liability for the first time in January 2018.
Previously a basic rate taxpayer effectively received their dividends tax-free. Now the first £5,000 is taxed at 0% and the remainder (up to a higher rate) at 7.5%. For higher-rate taxpayers, the effective rates have increased from 25% to 32.5%.
Under self-assessment, an individual makes tax payments in January and July equal to half of the previous year’s tax liability with any remaining tax due the following January.
Payments on account in January and July 2017 for many individuals were not required because they had no tax liability for 2015/16. These individuals, therefore, need to pay all their taxes for 2016/17 in January 2018 together with a payment equal to half their 2017/18 liability.
Chris Bentley, Tax and Forensic Director at Harts Accountants comments “We have seen many instances where an individual who has not previously had to pay personal tax, and who has had no change in income, has a liability of as much as £2500 due in January 2018.
“More positively, it is worth remembering that from April 2017 the rate of corporation tax was reduced to 19% and is set to reduce further to 17% by 2020, which will provide a small saving for businesses.”
It is advised that you discuss this with your accountant, or you can contact Chris Bentley and our specialist Tax team for advice.
