RE: ODR29 Jun 2019 12:25
Director's Bonus (UK limited Company Rules - There is no Corporation Tax in the Caymans)
A Director may receive a bonus from the company in addition to salary, but there are conditions with regard to the tax treatment.
The basis of the bonus, and calculation, should be documented and minuted.
A bonus which is decided and paid during a company's accounting year, for that current accounting year, is usually problem-free in terms of tax regulations, but subject to the usual rates of tax.
A bonus which is decided and paid after a company's accounting year has ended, but relates to that prior year, is subject to several tax regulations.
The bonus can only be accrued in the company's previous accounting year, and be allowable for Corporation Tax in that prior year, if it was agreed and documented during that previous accounting year. Alternatively, if it would be allowable if it was a regular event every year, ie 'custom and practice'. The accounting treatment is to credit to accruals, not the Director's Loan Account.
A bonus is regarded as being paid when either a specific payment is made to the Director, or the Director's Loan Account is credited. This date is the relevant date for the bonus to be submitted on the monthly PAYE/RTI.