UK PAYE Setup: Pay Yourself Through Your UK Company
Most UK company directors take a salary through PAYE. We register your company as an employer with HMRC, set up payroll, and ensure you're paying yourself compliantly.
Who this is for
- UK Ltd directors who want to take a salary from their company
- Founders setting up payroll for their first employee
- Non-resident directors with UK company income to structure
- Those told by their accountant to set up PAYE
What's included
- HMRC employer registration (PAYE scheme setup)
- Payroll software configuration
- Director salary optimisation guidance
- First payroll run and RTI submission
- NI and income tax calculation overview
How it works
Employer registered
PAYE scheme registered with HMRC, typically 5 working days.
Payroll configured
Salary amount and payment frequency set.
First payroll run
RTI submission filed with HMRC.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need PAYE as a sole director?
If you pay yourself a salary above the Lower Earnings Limit (£6,396/year), yes, you need to register as an employer and run payroll.
What is the optimal director salary?
Many directors take a salary equal to the National Insurance threshold (£12,570/year in 2024/25) to remain tax-efficient while qualifying for state pension contributions.
Can I pay myself only dividends?
Yes, but combining a small salary with dividends is typically more tax-efficient. We explain both options in your onboarding pack.
What is RTI?
Real Time Information, the HMRC system that requires payroll data to be submitted each time employees are paid. We handle this automatically.
Ready to get started?
Fixed price, real-time tracking, and expert handling, from first document to final approval.
Set Up UK PAYE