Rates of tax

The rates of corporation tax remain 28% for companies with profits over £1.5m and 21% for companies with profits up to £300,000, with a marginal rate in between those levels of 29.75%. The calculations are more complex for associated companies or those which receive dividend income. The small companies rate was intended to rise to 22% on 1 April 2009, but (as announced in November) this increase has been deferred to 1 April 2010.

Foreign dividends

The Budget has confirmed the introduction of a package of reforms to the taxation of the foreign profits of UK corporate groups, including a tax exemption for most foreign dividends. There will be associated changes to restrict interest deductibility based on a worldwide debt cap, and also to the Controlled Foreign Companies rules.