Corporation Tax Guide 2026/27

Three-Tier System (Since April 2023)

Profits up to £50,000: 19% (small profits rate). Profits £50,001 to £250,000: marginal relief — effective rate gradually increases from 19% to 25%. Profits over £250,000: 25% flat rate. The marginal relief formula: (£250,000 − profit) × (profit / profit) × 3/200. This creates a smooth transition without a 'cliff edge' at £50,000. Effective rates within marginal band: £75,000 profit: ~22% effective. £100,000: ~23%. £150,000: ~23.7%. £200,000: ~24.4%. £250,000: 25%. Important: thresholds DIVIDE by

Associated Companies Rule

Companies are 'associated' if: one controls the other, or the same person/group controls both. Includes: parent and subsidiaries. Companies under common ownership. Companies linked through family relationships in some cases. Impact: thresholds divided by number of associated companies. Example: holding company plus 4 trading subsidiaries = 5 associated. Lower threshold per company: £50,000 / 5 = £10,000. Upper threshold: £250,000 / 5 = £50,000. Each company hits marginal relief and main rate at

What Counts as Taxable Profit

Start with accounting profit. Adjustments to arrive at taxable profit: ADD: depreciation (not allowable). Capital allowances claimed elsewhere. Disallowable expenses (entertainment except staff, fines, etc.). DEDUCT: capital allowances (instead of depreciation — typically more generous). Loss relief. R&D enhanced deductions (SME scheme: 86% additional deduction since April 2023). Patent Box rate: 10% on qualifying patent income. Capital allowances 2026/27: full expensing of qualifying plant and

R&D Tax Credits

R&D tax credit scheme: significant relief for innovating companies. SME scheme (from April 2023): qualifying R&D expenditure gets 86% additional deduction (so total deduction = 186% of cost). For loss-making SMEs: surrender losses for cash credit (10% from April 2023). RDEC scheme (large companies and some SMEs): 20% taxable credit. Qualifying activities: scientific or technological advance. Must seek to resolve scientific or technological uncertainty. Software development qualifies if creating

Not financial advice. This calculator is for general information and education only. Figures are estimates and may not reflect your circumstances. For decisions, consult the FCA register and a qualified financial adviser. See our editorial standards.

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