How Much Tax Should I Pay?
A Clear Guide to UK Tax for Sole Traders and Company Directors
One of the most common questions we receive at SBX Accountants is:
“How much tax should I be paying?”
It’s an important question — and one you should never hesitate to ask.
PAYE vs. Self-Employment: What Changes?
If you’re a salaried employee, your Income Tax and National Insurance are automatically handled through PAYE. Everything’s deducted for you, and it’s clearly shown on your payslip.
But when you become self-employed — either as a sole trader or a limited company director — your tax responsibilities become more complex.
Understanding these responsibilities is crucial to staying compliant with HMRC, avoiding unexpected bills, and managing your finances confidently.
Sole Trader vs. Limited Company: What’s the Difference?
Choosing between operating as a sole trader or through a limited company significantly affects your tax obligations.
From how much tax you pay to the reliefs you can claim, each business structure has its own rules and implications.
While generic online advice can help, real tax planning depends on your specific income, deductions, and goals. That’s where personalised support from a qualified accountant is invaluable.
At SBX Accountants, we help you:
- Optimise your tax position
- Avoid underpayment or late penalties
- Maximise allowances and reliefs available to you
Understanding the UK Tax System (2025/26)
Income Tax (England)
- Personal Allowance: £12,570 (tax-free)
- Basic Rate: 20% on income between £12,571 and £50,270
- Higher Rate: 40% on income between £50,271 and £125,140
- Additional Rate: 45% on income over £125,140
If you earn over £100,000, your Personal Allowance reduces by £1 for every £2 earned over that threshold.
National Insurance Contributions (Self-Employed)
If your profits are over £12,570:
- You’ll pay 6% on profits between £12,570 and £50,270
- You’ll pay 2% on profits above £50,270
If your profits are under £6,725, you don’t need to pay, but you can choose to make voluntary Class 2 contributions (£3.45/week). Doing so helps protect your entitlement to the State Pension.
Dividend Tax (for Company Directors)
For the 2025/26 tax year:
- Dividend Allowance: First £500 is tax-free
- Basic Rate: 8.75%
- Higher Rate: 33.75%
- Additional Rate: 39.35%
Dividends are paid from company profits after Corporation Tax and taxed separately from salary.
Additional Tax Planning Opportunities
Pension Contributions
Contributing to a pension can reduce your taxable income. For example, as a basic rate taxpayer, you only need to contribute £800 to receive £1,000 in your pension due to tax relief.
Marriage Allowance
If your partner earns below the Personal Allowance, they may be able to transfer a portion of it to you, reducing your combined tax bill.
Rental Income and Savings
Profits from rental properties and savings interest are taxable. Each has specific allowances and must be reported to HMRC to avoid non-compliance.
Why Tax Planning Matters
No matter your business setup — whether you’re freelancing, contracting, or running a small business — smart tax planning helps you:
- Stay on top of deadlines and requirements
- Minimise your tax bill legally
- Avoid penalties and late fees
- Plan for your future with confidence
Working with SBX Accountants means access to experienced, tailored advice aligned with your financial goals.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
Without proper guidance, it’s easy to fall into traps like:
- Missing tax return or payment deadlines
- Forgetting to declare extra income from side jobs or property
- Overlooking tax reliefs and allowances
- Assuming PAYE covers all tax obligations when it doesn’t
Understanding Payments on Account
If you’re self-employed or earning untaxed income, HMRC may ask you to make Payments on Account — advance payments towards your next tax bill.
These are due on:
- 31 January (first payment)
- 31 July (second payment)
Each payment is typically 50% of your last year’s tax bill. After the year ends, you’ll either make a balancing payment or receive a refund based on your actual income.
How SBX Accountants Can Help
We’re more than just number crunchers. At SBX Accountants, we provide proactive, practical support to help you:
- Understand your personal tax obligations
- Efficiently plan dividends and salary
- File accurate Self Assessment returns
- Legally maximise your income and minimise tax
We also provide tools and calculators to estimate your take-home pay, helping you budget more effectively.
Ready for Peace of Mind?
Let SBX Accountants take the stress out of your tax planning. Whether you’re newly self-employed or running a limited company, we’re here to support your success every step of the way.
Contact us today to find out how we can help you save time, reduce stress, and keep more of what you earn.
