Compact Services

  2006 Budget - Corporation Tax

Rates (1/4/06 - 31/3/07)

The rate of tax depends on the total profits of the company, but marginal relief is available where the profits fall within particular bands. The effective rate of tax within the band is shown in the table.

Profits (p) Rate Marginal relief Marginal rate
£0 - £300,000 19%   19%
£300,001 - £1.5m 30% 11/400 x (1.5m - P) 32.75%
over £1.5m 30%   30%

The bands are adjusted for associated companies and for accounting periods of less than 12 months.

From 1/4/2002 to 31/3/06 there was a "starting rate" of 0% on profits up to £10,000, with marginal relief up to £50,000. From 1/4/2004 to 31/3/2006 there was a minimum rate of 19% on profits distributed. Both these rates are abolished from 1/4/2006.

Payment and filing

Companies which do not pay at the full rate (ie profits below £1.5m) settle their CT liability 9 months and a day after the end of the accounting period.

Large companies generally make payments on account of CT 6.5 months, 9.5 months, 12.5 months and 15.5 months after the start of a 12 month accounting period, with interest running until final settlement of the period's liability.

All companies file returns 12 months after the end of the period.

Taxation of dividends

Companies are not charged to CT on dividends received from other UK companies. Individuals and trusts receive dividends with a 10% 'tax credit'. The dividend plus the tax credit (100/90 of the amount received) is treated as taxable income, and the 10% tax credit settles some or all of the tax liability. But a taxpayer with no liability cannot obtain a repayment of the tax credit from the Revenue - it can only be used to settle liabilities.

Substantial shareholdings

From 1 April 2002, trading companies do not pay tax on disposals of 'substantial shareholdings', which are 10% holdings in other trading companies which have been held for at least 12 months.

Corporate venturing scheme

Companies can receive a 20% tax credit for investment in new shares in qualifying 'corporate ventures'. Such companies must be owned at least 20% by individuals, and the corporate investor must own not more than 30% to qualify.