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    Directors Loan Account

    Glossary

    Director's Loan Account

    A Director's Loan Account (DLA) is the running record in a UK company's books of money owed to or by a director — anything other than salary, dividends, or repayment of business expenses.

    If the company owes the director money (overdrawn DLA in the director's favour), no tax implications. If the director owes the company more than £10,000 at any point, it's a beneficial loan and a benefit-in-kind (taxable on the director via P11D unless at the official rate of interest). If a loan is outstanding 9 months after the period end, the company pays Section 455 tax at 33.75% — refundable when the loan is repaid. Many one-person companies use DLAs to smooth cash drawings throughout the year.

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