Can I distribute an interim dividend solely to myself?

Interim dividends must be distributed to all shareholders in proportion to their ownership percentage, which is determined by the number of shares each shareholder holds in the company.

For example, if you own 50% of your company’s shares and another shareholder owns the remaining 50%, you are each entitled to 50% of any interim dividend declared. So if your company has £2,000 of distributable profits and declares an interim dividend of £2,000, you would each receive £1,000. Before declaring a dividend, directors should confirm that sufficient distributable reserves exist to make the distribution lawful.