Income Tax

Band Rate
£1-£36,000 20%
Over £36,000 40%

Dividends receive a 10% tax credit. Higher rate taxpayers pay further tax of 22.5% (or 25% of the actual dividend). From 2008/09 there is a 10% starting rate of up to £2,320 only for savings income. Savings income in excess of this band is taxable at the rates above (i.e. £2,321 to £36,000 at 20% and over £36,000 at 40%). However non-savings income takes priority over savings income when using the £2,230 band.

There are special rules for trusts.

Personal Allowances 2008/09 2007/08
Personal Age allowance Age 65-74 (65-74) (age on 5.4.2008) £9,030 £7,550
Personal (a) £5,435 £5.225
Married couples (a) (b) (c) 65 - 74 £6,535 £6,285
Age 75 (75) or over (age on 5.4.2008) Personal (a) £9,180 £7,690
Married couples (a) (b) (c) 75 + £6,625 £6,365
Income limit for age allowances £21,800 £20,900
Blind persons £1,800 £1,730

(a) Age related allowances reduce if total income exceeds the income limit.

Minimum personal allowance is £ 5,435(£5,225) Minimum married couples allowance is (£2,540) (£2,440)

(b) For marriages before 5 December 2005, allowance only given where husband or wife born before 6 April 1935. Claimed by husband but, on election, may be claimed by wife or shared equally. Transferable on election if insufficient income. Relief limited to 10% (10%) of amounts shown.

(c) For marriages or civil partnerships on or after 5 December 2005 where one party born before 6 April 1935, allowance given to the individual with the highest income. Couples married before 5 December 2005 may elect for this treatment, otherwise (b) will continue to apply. relief limited to 10% (10%) of amounts shown.