Key takeaways
- How to pay yourself: the optimal salary and dividend mix, and director pensions.
- VAT thresholds and the margin scheme, plus Companies House filing.
- Protection that suits directors: relevant life, key person, income protection.
- How directors and the self-employed get a mortgage.
Director pay and company
Optimal director salaryWhy £12,570, when £9,100 wins, and the exceptions.
Salary vs dividendsThe tax difference across the income bands.
Director pensionsCompany contributions, the £60,000 allowance and carry forward.
Confirmation statementThe £34 filing, the deadline and what it confirms.
Self-employed
Self-employed allowancesEvery expense and allowance most sole traders miss.
Self-employed take-homeWhat you keep after tax and Class 4 NI.
VAT and compliance
VAT threshold 2026The £90,000 threshold and the rolling 12-month test.
VAT margin schemePaying VAT on the margin, not the full price.
Protection
Relevant life policyTax-efficient company-paid life cover for directors.
Key person insuranceProtecting the company against losing a key person.
Income protectionReplacing income if illness stops you working.