Category Archives: Pensions

Statutory maternity pay for directors: what you need to know

Angela working out statutory maternity pay for directors

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

Busting the Myths About Taking Your Pension Tax-Free

Gillian (woman) talking on the phone about pension tax-free myths

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

The Best Director’s Salary for 2025/26: A Simple Guide

If you’re a director of a limited company, you probably pay yourself a mix of salary and dividends to keep taxes low. For the last few years, the best salary for tax efficiency has been £9,096 per year, because it gave you maximum Corporation Tax relief while avoiding PAYE tax, National Insurance, and still qualifying