Ltd vs Sole Trader: Full Calculator

Model revenue, expenses and accountant fees, then compare sole trader and limited company take-home side by side with a full tax breakdown.

Updated for 2025/26 · Reviewed by James Whitfield · Methodology and assumptions

Inputs

Headline outcome

Sole trader net
£36,388.80
Limited company net
£34,544.30
Annual difference
£-1,844.50
Monthly difference
£-153.71

Sole trader route currently looks stronger on net take-home under these assumptions.

Sole trader breakdown

Profit£45,000.00
Income tax£6,486.00
Class 2 NI£179.40
Class 4 NI£1,945.80
Net take-home£36,388.80

Limited company breakdown

Director salary£12,570.00
Employer NI£1,135.50
Corporation tax£5,945.95
Dividend tax£2,174.25
Accountant fee£1,200.00
Net take-home£34,544.30