Thinking about taking some money out of your limited company? Before you hit ‘transfer’, it’s worth understanding how dividends actually work — and what to check before you pay yourself. Dividends can be a brilliant, tax-efficient way to pay yourself as a business owner, but they come with a few rules and responsibilities. Let’s break
Category Archives: PAYE
At DNA Accountants, we know payroll changes can come as a surprise — especially when something new suddenly appears on your payslip. So here’s a guide to what’s happening and why. What’s Changed in 2025/26 for Employer’s National Insurance on Director Payroll From April 2025, the government increased the Employer’s National Insurance Contribution (NIC) rate
P11D's, PAYE, Payroll Basics for Employers
Payroll basics for Employers: Everything you need for 2025/26
As an employer (big or small), getting payroll right is essential. It’s not just about paying staff — it’s about staying compliant, avoiding penalties, and running a smooth, trustworthy operation. This guide walks you through the essentials: starter forms, right to work, P45s, submissions, P11Ds, part-time staff, holiday pay, and more — all specific to
Allowable Limited Company Expenses, Automating Your Finances, Best Accounting Apps, P11D's, Self-Assessment Tips for Sole Traders
Cars and Limited companies: mileage logs vs fuel repayments (what HMRC says)
When you run a limited company, using a car for work can quickly get confusing. Should you log mileage and claim it back — or have the company pay for fuel? And what about tax? Let’s break down the limited company car mileage vs fuel benefit debate, straight from HMRC’s official rules, so you can
Director’s Pay vs Dividends, PAYE, Payroll Basics for Employers, Pensions
Statutory maternity pay for directors: what you need to know
Directors often ask whether they can claim Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP). The answer is yes — but only if certain conditions are met. If you’re a company director and planning for maternity leave, here’s a clear breakdown of the rules, calculations, and how payments are made. Who qualifies for statutory maternity pay? To be eligible
Allowable Limited Company Expenses, Changes to Tax Rates & Thresholds, Director’s Pay vs Dividends, P11D's, Tax Planning & Saving Tips
Should You Have a Company Car? The most asked Question we get!
If I were to create a hit list of questions asked by clients, the one that would be in our top 3 would be around company cars and company car tax implications. A company car is often seen as a desirable perk — but in reality, whether it’s a good idea depends on who you
Government Support & Reliefs, Pensions, Tax Planning & Saving Tips
Busting the Myths About Taking Your Pension Tax-Free
Over the years, many of us end up with several pensions from different jobs — some large, some small, and sometimes a bit forgotten about until retirement looms. When it comes time to draw from them, one question comes up again and again: “Can I take the whole thing tax-free?” The rules around pensions can
Corporation Tax, Director’s Pay vs Dividends, MTD for Income Tax (ITSA), P11D's, PAYE, Self-Assessment Tips for Sole Traders, Self-Assessment/ Personal Tax, Tax Planning & Saving Tips
Sole Trader vs Limited Company director – what’s best for your business?
Why it matters Setting up as a sole trader or limited company director isn’t just a bureaucratic choice—it’s a strategic decision that affects your taxes, your rights, and your long‑term goals. Whether you’re nearing £50K income and facing MTD ITSA, or edging over £100K and losing your personal allowance, this clear breakdown will help you
Allowable Limited Company Expenses, Director’s Pay vs Dividends, Tax Planning & Saving Tips, Year-End Preparation Tips
Salary, dividends or both? What you need to know about directors’ loans
If you run a limited company, one of the biggest perks is the flexibility in how you pay yourself. But with that flexibility comes confusion. Should you take a salary, dividends… or a bit of both? And what’s this “director’s loan account” everyone keeps talking about? Let’s break it down in plain English (with no
Director’s Pay vs Dividends, Tax Planning & Saving Tips
Why Alphabet Shares Could Be a Smart Move for Your Business
If you run a limited company, you might assume all shares are created equal. But that doesn’t have to be the case — and in many small businesses, it shouldn’t be. Creating different types of shares, known as alphabet shares (like A shares, B shares, C shares etc), can offer you flexibility, control, and some
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