Q When is the next BT Group dividend due?
A BT's dividends have historically been paid twice yearly, in February and September (see dates and payments for past dividends). As part of BT's debt reduction and restructuring, no final dividend was paid in respect of the 2001 financial year (ended 31 March 2001), nor an interim dividend for the 2002 financial year.
BT returned to the dividend list in September 2002 with the payment of a final dividend in respect of the 2002 financial year.
Details of dividends are first given in BT Group's half-year and preliminary year end financial results announced in November and May, respectively. See the calendar of Key dates.
Q How much is the next dividend going to be?
A Details of forthcoming dividends are generally announced in November and May with BT's half-year and preliminary annual financial results (see above). See also the calendar of Key dates. The Shareholder Helpline will be able to give you the dividend information after these dates.
Q Can I have my dividends paid as extra shares?
A Yes. BT has a dividend investment plan that allows shareholders to obtain additional BT shares instead of receiving cash dividends. Since shares are bought in the market, rather than issued from unissued share capital, there is a charge of 1% of the amount used to buy the shares. This charge includes 0.5% stamp duty.
Full details of how you can elect to receive shares instead of cash dividends are given in the explanatory booklet on the dividend investment plan.
Q I am a non-taxpayer; can I have my BT dividends paid gross?
A Under UK Government legislation, all dividends are paid net of tax. Unfortunately, therefore, we cannot pay your dividends gross.
Q I have found an out-of-date BT dividend cheque; what do I do?
A The cheque should be returned to our registrars Equiniti with a covering letter asking them to re-issue the cheque.
Q Can BT pay my dividends directly into my bank or building society account?
A Individual shareholders with less than 1,500 shares, and current BT employees, can amend payment instructions with a quick, free phone call to our Shareholder Helpline. Alternatively, you can complete a Dividend payment form and post it to Equiniti.
If you have signed up to the BT e-communication service you give or amend instructions to pay your dividends directly into your bank or building society account - securely - online.
If you are a current BT employee, you can provide details by telephone to the Shareholder Helpline.
Q I have my dividends paid directly to a bank or building society account. I have now changed my account; who do I notify?
A Changes can be made by completing a dividend payment form and asking your bank to authorise it and send it to our registrars Equiniti. The Shareholder Helpline will be able to advise you.
If you have signed up to the BT e-communication service, you can amend your instructions securely online. Individual shareholders with less than 1,500 shares can amend instructions with a quick free call to our Shareholder Helpline. Alternatively, you can complete a Dividend payment form and post it to our registrars Equiniti.
Q Can you explain the changes in dividend taxation which came into effect on 6 April 1999?
A From this date, tax credits are still available for individuals, but there were some changes. See Tax changes for details and a worked example.