AUTUMN STATEMENT 2023 : INCOME TAX

Income tax rates

The government has stated that the basic rate will remain at 20%, the higher rate at 40% and the additional rate at 45% for 2024/25.

The government reduced the point at which individuals pay the additional rate of 45% from £150,000 to £125,140 for the current tax year and this will continue for 2024/25.

Income tax allowances

The income tax personal allowance and basic rate limit are fixed at their current levels until April 2028. They are £12,570 and £37,700 respectively. For those entitled to a full personal allowance, the point at which they will pay income tax at the higher rate will continue at £50,270.

Dividends

The government has also confirmed that, from 6 April 2024, the rates of taxation on dividend income will remain as follows:

  • the dividend ordinary rate – 8.75%
  • the dividend upper rate – 33.75%
  • the dividend additional rate – 39.35%.

As corporation tax due on directors’ overdrawn loan accounts is paid at the dividend upper rate, this will also remain at 33.75%.

The government will reduce the Dividend Allowance from £1,000 to £500 from 6 April 2024.

Comment

It is estimated that the reduction in the Dividend Allowance will affect £4.4 million individuals in 2024/25 with the average loss to those affected being around £155.

The Scottish and Welsh governments will make their announcements on the devolved elements of taxation policy in due course.