The document gives a broad explanation of that law and of the role and content of the Guidance on realised and distributable profits (TECH 02/17BL) issued by ICAEW and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS). It aims to inform readers who are not accountants about the subject generally and to make TECH 02/17BL and its principles more widely accessible. The document does not change or supersede TECH 02/17BL which remains in effect as written.

The document covers:

• Laws relevant to dividends and other forms of distribution. This provides an overview of the various laws that directors should be aware of before making dividend payments. These laws include laws specific to dividends in the Companies Act 2006.
• General principles on the realisation of profits and losses. This outlines the general principles when applying the laws specific to dividends in the Companies Act 2006, including those derived from TECH 02/17BL.
• Directory of TECH 02/17BL. This briefly describes the subject matter of each chapter of TECH 02/17BL to help users of that publication to navigate its contents.

A press release and the full publication are available on the ICAEW website.