Dividends are payments that a limited company makes to its shareholders from its profits. These profits remain after the company pays all expenses, taxes and other financial commitments.
When shareholders receive a dividend, they gain a direct return on their investment. However, a company can only pay dividends when it holds enough profit to do so. This rule protects both the company and its shareholders.
Moreover, dividends do not reduce a company’s Corporation Tax bill as they are not a business expense.
How Dividends Work
Directors decide when to pay dividends. It is therefore their responsibility to check the company holds enough profit and to record the decision in meeting notes. Even a sole director should follow this process.
After dividend approval, the company gives each shareholder a dividend voucher.
The dividend voucher includes:
- The payment date
- The company name
- The shareholder’s name
- The amount paid
Companies normally base dividend payments on the number and type of shares each person owns. So, a shareholder who owns half of the shares usually receives half of the dividend amount.
Types of Dividend
Companies use different types of dividends to suit their financial needs and goals.
The most common types of dividends include:
- Cash (where payments go directly to a bank account)
- Stock (where recipients receive additional shares instead of cash)
Stock dividends allow a company to reward shareholders while keeping cash in the business. This also helps support growth and maintain a strong cash flow.
Dividends may also be payable at different times:
- Interim (payable during the year when profits allow)
- Final (payable after the end of the financial year once accounts are complete)
This flexibility helps companies respond to changes in performance throughout the year.
When Companies Pay Dividends
Companies pay dividends to share profits with their shareholders. These payments recognise the value that shareholders bring by supporting the business. Dividends can also encourage investors to stay invested over the long-term.
Some companies choose not to pay dividends and instead reinvest profits to support growth.
There is also no limit on dividend payments. A company may pay any amount as long as it has enough profit available. Even so, directors often keep a portion inside the business. This helps them manage costs and prepare for unexpected events.
How Often a Company Can Pay Dividends
A company can pay dividends whenever it chooses.
Many choose quarterly or annual payments, while others pay dividends at less regular times. Because profits change from year to year, dividend amounts can vary. Directors must always check that enough profit exists before they declare a dividend.
Paying dividends without available profit can cause serious issues with HMRC.
How Dividends Link to Shares
Dividend amounts usually reflect the number and type of shares a person owns. Some companies create several share classes, also known as Alphabet Shares, to offer more flexibility.
Alphabet Shares allow a company to:
- Pay different dividend amounts to different shareholders
- Assign different voting rights
- Reward involvement without changing overall ownership
This structure allows directors to tailor rewards and responsibilities to each shareholder.
Dividend Yield shows the return that investors receive from dividends compared with the share price. You calculate it by dividing the annual dividend by the current share price.
For example: A £2 dividend on a £20 share prices gives a Dividend Yield of 10%.
Investors can then use this figure to compare the performance of different companies.
How HMRC Taxes Dividends
HMRC taxes dividends based on a person’s total income for the year. Dividend tax rates are lower than standard Income Tax rates, and dividends never attract National Insurance.
For the 2025/26 tax year:
- The Personal Allowance is £12,570
- The Dividend Allowance is £500
After these allowances, the following rates apply:
- 8.75% (Basic Rate)
- 33.75% (Higher Rate)
- 39.35% (Additional Rate)
Your tax band depends on your total income, including dividends.
When You Pay Dividend Tax
You pay tax on dividends through the Self Assessment system. This is usually due by the January following the end of the tax year.
You can ask HMRC to adjust your tax code if your dividend income is below £10,000. However, you must complete a Self Assessment tax return if your dividend income is above £10,000.
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This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. While we aim to keep our content up to date and accurate, UK tax laws and regulations are subject to change. Please speak to an accountant or tax professional for advice tailored to your individual circumstances. Pi Accountancy accepts no responsibility for any issues arising from reliance on the information provided.