UK Dividend Tax Calculator 2026
Calculate dividend income and taxes for UK investors, including the dividend allowance and tax bands for 2024/25 and 2025/26.
UK Dividend Income Calculator
Tax Payable: £148 | Effective tax rate on dividends: 6.6%
How UK Dividend Taxes Work (2024/25 & 2025/26)
UK dividends are taxed separately from other income, with their own allowance and tax rates:
1. Dividend Allowance
2024/25: £500 tax-free. 2025/26: £500 tax-free. This was reduced from £1,000 in 2023/24 and £2,000 in 2022/23. All taxpayers get this allowance regardless of their tax band.
2. Dividend Tax Rates
Basic rate: 8.75% on dividends above allowance. Higher rate: 33.75% on dividends above allowance. Additional rate: 39.35% on dividends above allowance.
3. Tax-Efficient Wrappers
Dividends received within an ISA or SIPP are completely tax-free. The 2024/25 ISA allowance is £20,000. Pension contributions also receive tax relief.
On This Page
ISA vs GIA vs SIPP for UK Dividends
| Feature | Stocks & Shares ISA | SIPP (Pension) | General Investment Account |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tax on Dividends | None (tax-free) | None (tax-free inside) | 8.75% - 39.35% above £500 |
| Annual Limit | £20,000 | £60,000 (or 100% earnings) | Unlimited |
| Access to Funds | Anytime, tax-free | Age 55+ (57 from 2028) | Anytime |
| Best For | Medium-term investing | Retirement planning | Overflow when ISA full |
| Capital Gains Tax | None | None inside | 18%/24% above £3,000 |
Pro Tip: Always maximize your ISA allowance before using a GIA. The £20,000 annual limit shelters both dividends and capital gains from tax forever. Consider Bed & ISA to move existing GIA holdings into your ISA each year.
UK Dividend Tax Rates 2024/25 & 2025/26
| Tax Band | Income Range | Dividend Rate | £10,000 Dividend Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal Allowance | £0 - £12,570 | 0% | £0 |
| Basic Rate | £12,571 - £50,270 | 8.75% | £831 |
| Higher Rate | £50,271 - £125,140 | 33.75% | £3,206 |
| Additional Rate | Over £125,140 | 39.35% | £3,738 |
Tax calculated on £10,000 dividend after £500 allowance. Dividends count towards total income for band purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to report dividends under £500?
If your only income is from employment (PAYE) and your dividends are under £500, you don't need to report them. However, if you file a Self Assessment for other reasons, you should still include all dividend income. Dividends in ISAs never need to be reported.
Are US dividends taxed differently in the UK?
Yes. US dividends have 15% withheld at source (reduced from 30% via the UK-US tax treaty if you complete a W-8BEN form). You can claim a foreign tax credit against your UK dividend tax. Inside an ISA, the 15% US withholding still applies but you can't claim it back.
What happened to the dividend allowance?
The dividend allowance has been cut significantly: £5,000 (2017/18), £2,000 (2018/19-2022/23), £1,000 (2023/24), and £500 (2024/25 onwards). This means more dividend income is now taxable, making ISAs and SIPPs more valuable than ever.
What are the best UK dividend stocks?
Popular UK dividend stocks include oil majors (Shell, BP), banks (HSBC, Lloyds, Barclays), tobacco (BAT, Imperial Brands), pharma (GSK, AstraZeneca), utilities (National Grid, SSE), and REITs (Land Securities, British Land). Many investors use dividend ETFs like VHYL or iShares UK Dividend for diversification.