As a company director, you play a pivotal role in shaping the success and direction of your organisation. Your decisions, strategies, and leadership directly impact the company’s financial performance, growth, and overall wellbeing. However, when determining your own compensation, you may face a balancing act: ensuring fair remuneration while prioritising tax efficiency and long-term financial security.
In the United Kingdom, setting an optimal salary for directors requires careful consideration of tax implications and state pension benefits. While higher salaries may seem appealing, there exists a strategic salary level that maximises tax savings and ensures eligibility for state pension accrual. This is where the £12,570 annual salary comes into play.
The significance of £12,570 for director’s salary
The £12,570 salary figure aligns with two crucial thresholds in the UK’s National Insurance (NI) and income tax systems: the Personal Allowance and the Primary Earnings Limit. The Personal Allowance is the amount of income you can earn before paying income tax, and the Primary Earnings Limit is the point at which NI contributions start being deducted from your salary.
By setting your director’s salary at £12,570, you can achieve several tax benefits:
Avoid income Tax
You will not pay income tax on your salary, as it falls within the Personal Allowance.
Minimise NI contributions
You will not be liable for NI contributions as an employee, as your salary falls below the Primary Earnings Limit.
Qualify for state pension
You will still accrue qualifying years for your state pension, ensuring eligibility for future pension payments.
This combination of tax savings and state pension accrual makes £12,570 an optimal salary for many directors. It allows you to retain a significant portion of your earnings while securing your future financial wellbeing.
Tax amount paid
Based on the UK’s current tax rates for the 2023-24 tax year, a director earning an annual salary of £12,570 would not be liable for any income tax or National Insurance contributions. Therefore, their take-home pay would be the full £12,570.
Amended tax codes
It’s important to note that the £12,570 salary figure assumes the director has the standard tax code of 1257L. If the director has an amended tax code, such as a BR code, they may pay income tax on their salary, even if it falls below the Personal Allowance.
For example, if a director has a BR code of 1150L, they will pay income tax on the amount of their salary that exceeds £1,150. In this case, the director would pay income tax on £11,420 of their salary (£12,570 – £1,150).
Directors should regularly check their tax code to ensure accuracy. They can do this by reviewing their P60 tax certificate or contacting HMRC.
Additional considerations for director’s remuneration
While £12,570 serves as a strategic salary level, it may not be the sole source of income for directors. Many directors also receive dividends, which are distributions of profits from the company. Dividends are not subject to NI contributions, but they are taxed at a different rate than salary income.
Therefore, it’s essential to consider your overall income mix, including salary, dividends, and any other sources of income, when making decisions about director’s remuneration. Consulting with a qualified tax advisor, such as TreyBridge Accountants, can help you to optimise your salary and dividend structure for maximum tax efficiency and long-term financial planning.
Setting an optimal director’s salary involves balancing financial rewards with tax efficiency and state pension benefits. The £12,570 annual salary serves as a strategic benchmark that minimises tax burdens while maintaining eligibility for state pension accrual. However, it’s crucial to consider your overall income mix and seek professional guidance to tailor your remuneration strategy for maximum financial wellbeing. TreyBridge Accountants can provide expert advice on optimissing your director’s salary and ensuring you are maximising tax efficiency and securing long-term financial security.
