SolvedCTM15270 | Distributions: general: dividend waivers and application of the settlements legislation
From HM Revenue & Customs · Company Taxation Manual
Trusts Technical would like to see certain cases where a person has waived a right to a dividend so that another shareholder may benefit. In such cases, HMRC argues that the person making the waiver has indirectly provided funds for an ‘arrangement’ or ‘settlement’, and that the settlements legislation at ITTOIA05/PART5/CHAPTER5 may apply.
This legislation only applies where the arrangement contains an 'element of bounty'. In the case of dividend waivers, the person making the waiver will be giving up a sum to which they are, or may become, entitled, and the bounty will be represented by the enhanced part of the dividend received by the non-waiving shareholders.
Not all dividend waivers are vulnerable to challenge, and there is guidance at TSEM4225 on the factors that would indicate that the settlements legislation is likely to apply.