For Contractors, Freelancers & Consultants...
Guides to starting up and working as an IT contractor in the UK - from working via an umbrella or contractor limited company, to dealing with accountants, taxes, regulations, recruitment agents and end clients.
IR35 Business Test - Read the latest news in our IR35 section.
Professional Indemnity Insurance - Do you need cover? Read our guide.
Latest Updates
How the HMRC IR35 investigation process works
In light of the new HMRC IR35 guidance, we look at how an IR35 enquiry will typically originate - typically via an Employer Compliance Review.
(May 15, 2012 in IR35 )
Companies House and limited company contractors
All limited companies communicate with Companies House in a number of ways each year - via the submission of their annual returns, and to provide company information updates.
(May 14, 2012 in Limited Company )
Demand for digital contractors continues to soar
The latest edition of the JM Digital Index shows that the demand for contractors with digital skills is booming, with the demand for both permanent and contract workers up by 18% since the end of 2011.
(May 11, 2012 in Market Reports )
New HMRC specialist teams set to increase number of IR35 reviews
Although the release of new HMRC guidance has made no difference to the underlying IR35 legislation itself, it could signal the start of a concerted effort by the tax authorities to carry out an increased number of compliance reviews.
(May 10, 2012 in IR35 )
New IR35 business test and IR35 scenarios go live
After weeks of speculation, HMRC has published new IR35 guidance, including a business entity test and a set of typical IR35 scenarios.
(May 9, 2012 in IR35 )
Start-Up Guide :: 10 contractor success tips
Ten tips for IT contractor success: From having the right skills, to gaining contract renewals, and keeping on the right side of IR35 and the tax man.
(May 9, 2012 in Start-Up Guides )
Professional indemnity insurance for contractors
Many clients now insist that contractors have adequate professional indemnity insurance cover in place. What is PI insurance?, and how to choose a policy.
(May 8, 2012 in Contractor Insurance )
IR35 compliance - are you inside or outside IR35?
If HMRC decide to conduct an IR35 status enquiry, there are a number of factors which will be taken into account when determining whether or not your contract will fall within the scope of IR35 or not.
(May 8, 2012 in IR35 )
2,000 public sector workers using own limited companies
An investigative news site has leaked a letter from Danny Alexander to the Chancellor which reveals that thousands of public officials are being paid via their own limited companies rather than the payroll.
(May 3, 2012 in News )
HMRC business test only a minor change to IR35 administration
Since the details of the proposed HMRC IR35 business test were first posted online last week, some have expressed 'shock' at these so-called leaks, but one must not forget that the official test itself is just a minor development in the process to overhaul IR35.
(May 2, 2012 in IR35 )
Your duties and obligations as a limited company director
If you are a limited company contractor, there are a number of duties you must perform by law as company director. You also have several financial and legal responsibilities that you should be aware of.
(May 2, 2012 in Limited Company )
What is IR35 insurance?
As a result of the financial impact IR35 can have on take home pay, contractors may consider taking out IR35 insurance in the event that their employment status is challenged, as the defence costs can be significant.
(May 1, 2012 in Contractor Insurance )
IT Industry Awards open for entries
The 2012 UK IT Industry Awards are open for entries, with a wide range of new award categories including cloud services, apps, bid data and VAR, reflecting the rapidly changing world of technology.
(May 1, 2012 in News )
Directory of contractor umbrella companies
A directory of some of the leading IT contractor umbrella companies in the UK. How to choose an umbrella company.
(May 1, 2012 in Directory )
Most contractors would fail the IR35 business test
As the contents of the proposed IR35 business test appear online, it is easy to see why a rift has formed between HMRC and business groups, as it would appear that most contractors would face at least a medium risk of an IR35 investigation.
(Apr 27, 2012 in IR35 )
Contractors largely unaffected by AWR
A recent poll carried out by contractors' organisation, PCG, found that the recently implemented Agency Workers Regulations have had a very limited effect on most freelancers.
(Apr 26, 2012 in Agency Workers Regulations )
Clients unimpressed with contractor recruitment agencies
A survey by a nationwide HR firm suggests that a massive 89% of leading companies have frozen recruitment for permanent staff, however past experiences have put them off using specialist contractor agencies.
(Apr 25, 2012 in News )
London top, Northern Ireland bottom of umbrella contractor pay rankings
Data from the UK's largest umbrella provider, Parasol, shows how much contractors can typically earn in each region of the UK.
(Apr 25, 2012 in News )
Most IT professionals prefer stability of permanent employment
A survey of over 3,000 IT professionals shows that people working within the industry are earning more, but working longer. Interestingly, despite the higher rates of pay offered by contracting, most prefer to remain in permanent work.
(Apr 24, 2012 in News )
City-based IT contractor found guilty of tax evasion
An IT contractor, who worked for a number of City banks, has been prosecuted for tax evasion after diverting his income to offshore companies and failing to file a single tax return for his UK limited company.
(Apr 22, 2012 in News )
