Chancellor U-turns on top rate of tax
The decision to scrap the 45% tax rate has been widely criticised amid a cost-of-living crisis. This morning the Chancellor has announced a U-turn. What's the latest?
The Chancellor has confirmed that the tax cut will not go ahead, due to the distractions this policy has caused. From 6 April 2023 those earning over £150,000 will continue to pay the top rate of 45% income tax. However, due to other planned tax cuts, those with income over £150,000 will pay just 38.1% income tax on dividends from 6 April 2023 (currently 39.35%), meaning there will still be an incentive (albeit a smaller one) to delay dividends until on or after 6 April 2023.
The Chancellor is set to announce his medium-term fiscal plan on 23 November.
Related Topics
-
HMRC reminds employers to check tax codes at start of new tax year
HMRC is reminding employers to review PAYE coding notices as the 2026/27 tax year gets underway. With new tax codes now in operation, what should you be looking out for?
-
Salary v dividends in 2026/27
Dividend tax rates have increased by 2% for 2026/27. Add that on to the other recent tax hikes and it starts to look very expensive to run a company. Is the combination of a low salary topped up with dividends still tax efficient?
-
Practical guide: Incorporating a property business
An individual with a significant property portfolio is considering incorporating their business. What are the key considerations and are there any traps to avoid or tax planning opportunities?

This website uses both its own and third-party cookies to analyze our services and navigation on our website in order to improve its contents (analytical purposes: measure visits and sources of web traffic). The legal basis is the consent of the user, except in the case of basic cookies, which are essential to navigate this website.