Salary vs Dividends Optimiser

See the most tax-efficient way to pay yourself from your limited company — the right salary, the dividends on top, and how much actually lands in your pocket. Plus how a director's loan compares for short-term cash.

Company profit before paying yourself

Profit for the year before any director's salary or Corporation Tax.

Number of directors sharing the profit

Each director takes the same salary; dividends are split by the shares below.

Can you claim the Employment Allowance?No if you're the only person on the payroll

Estimates for the 2025/26 tax year, England, Wales & Northern Ireland (Scottish income tax bands differ). Assumes this is your only income and the company has no other complications. Not personal tax advice — confirm with your accountant.

Enter your profit to see the most tax-efficient split

Thinking about a director's loan instead?

A director's loan lets you take money out of the company without it being salary or a dividend — but it's borrowing you have to pay back, not income. Kept small and repaid promptly it can be tax-free; left outstanding it triggers tax charges. See where you'd stand:

Loan amount

Which director is taking the loan?

Repaid within 9 months & 1 day of your year-end?Repaying in time avoids the s455 charge