For IT Contractors, Freelancers & Consultants...

500+ expert guides to starting up and working as a contractor, dealing with umbrella companies, limited companies, recruitment agents, and contractor accountants, plus the latest advice on contract rates, IR35, and taxation.

Latest Updates


PCG drops 'contractor' label in re-branding exercise

It's all change at the leading representative group for freelancers, as the PCG drops its 'contractor' tag in order to be more inclusive.
(Nov 26, 2009 in News )

Guide to IR35 contract review services for IT contractors

As there is a significant financial cost for contractors caught by the IR35 rules, you should always get an IR35 opinion on your contracts. Includes a list of companies who provide IR35 status and contract drafting services.
(Nov 25, 2009 in IR35 )

IT contractor guide to Corporation Tax

An overview of Corporation Tax and how it applies to IT contractors working via their own limited companies.
(Nov 24, 2009 in Tax / Accounting )

UK companies surviving recession by adopting flexible freelance workforce

A major survey shows how many UK companies are surviving the recession by adopting a more flexible freelance workforce.
(Nov 23, 2009 in News )

Service Providers Association launches code of conduct for umbrella companies

The Service Providers Association (SPA) has launched its code of conduct for umbrella companies and businesses providing support services to contractors.
(Nov 20, 2009 in News )

Skills and flexibility the key to recent freelance boom

A major survey suggests that, after a difficult 12 months, freelancers and contractors are well placed to take advantage when the recovery begins.
(Nov 20, 2009 in News )

What will the post-recession world of contracting look like?

A leading contractor accountancy firm held a meeting of industry experts this week to shed some light on the what the future of contracting might hold.
(Nov 19, 2009 in News )

Guide to IT contractor mortgages

IT contractor mortgages - how to get the best deals based on your contract rate. Includes an online mortgage enquiry form.
(Nov 18, 2009 in Money / Investing )

Why don't IT contractors operate as sole traders?

A brief overview of sole trading, and given how easy it is to set up, why don't IT contractors operate as sole traders?
(Nov 17, 2009 in Contractor FAQs )

Contractors retain Agency Regulations opt-out choice

The Government has confirmed that contractors will still be able to opt out of the recruitment agency Conduct of Employment Agencies Regulations.
(Nov 17, 2009 in News )

Car valeters deemed to be 'employees' in recent employment status case

A recent case further highlights the different approaches used in determining employment status when considering employment rights as opposed to tax.
(Nov 13, 2009 in IR35 )

Wide industry support for National Freelancers Day

A wide range of events are being held to promote National Freelancers Day on 23rd November.
(Nov 12, 2009 in News )

Contractors await Pre-Budget Report - 9th December

The Chancellor has announced that he will deliver his Pre-Budget Report on 9th December.
(Nov 11, 2009 in News )

Limited company contractors could fall under Agency Workers Directive if caught by IR35 rules

A leading contractor accountancy firm has pointed out that limited company contractors who are caught by IR35 could fall within the scope of the Agency Workers Directive.
(Nov 10, 2009 in News )

Income Protection Cover for IT contractors

Income Protection for IT contractors - An overview of what PHI is and what to look out for when choosing a health insurance policy.
(Nov 10, 2009 in Money / Investing )

Contractor group calls on Chancellor to scrap IR35

In its submission to the Chancellor ahead of the much-anticipated Pre-Budget Report, the PCG has called for IR35 and other restrictive measures to be scrapped in the interests of the economic recovery.
(Nov 9, 2009 in IR35 )

Contractor Calculator guide looks back at a decade of IR35

A leading contractor news site has published a special report, looking back on 10 years of IR35 - including insights from some of the leading experts in the contracting industry.
(Nov 5, 2009 in IR35 )

Perm and contract jobs markets continue recovery in October

The latest REC/KPMG Report on Jobs for October 2009 provides further evidence that the worst of the downturn may be over, as the number of permanent and contract roles continues to rise.
(Nov 4, 2009 in IT Contractor Rates )

Steps to becoming a limited company contractor

If you have decided to set up as a limited company contractor, there are a number of steps you will need to take before you're ready to start in business.
(Nov 3, 2009 in Limited Company )

More IT contractors expect to see rate rise in 2010

The latest research by contractor services provider, giant group, provides further evidence that confidence is beginning to return to the contracting market.
(Nov 2, 2009 in IT Contractor Rates )

What do freelancers contribute to the UK economy?

As National Freelancers Day nears, a survey has been launched to help find out more about the role freelancers and contractors play within the challenging economic climate.
(Oct 30, 2009 in News )

Surge in demand for IT contractors during third quarter

The demand for IT contractors has jumped significantly over the last quarter, rebounding from one of the worst dips in demand ever recorded, although average rates are slightly down on last year.
(Oct 30, 2009 in IT Contractor Rates )

Contractor limited companies - paying your spouse a salary

If you run a contractor limited company and would like to pay your spouse a salary, you need to consider several factors before setting up the payroll.
(Oct 29, 2009 in Tax / Accounting )

New contractor survey aims to influence decision makers

Professional Passport has launched a comprehensive survey of contractors to help convey the concerns of those within the industry to key decision makers and Government departments.
(Oct 27, 2009 in News )

HMRC forms used by limited company contractors

A summary of the most commonly used HMRC forms used by limited company contractors and their accountants.
(Oct 26, 2009 in Tax / Accounting )

Tax inspectors given draconian new powers to pursue taxpayers

The PCG has taken exception to a Daily Telegraph article which describes how tax inspectors may pursue taxpayers before they break the law.
(Oct 22, 2009 in News )

Self assessment deadlines for IT contractors

The deadline to file a paper tax return is 31st October, however you have three extra months if you file online.
(Oct 22, 2009 in News )

IR35 rules and the 'mutuality of obligation'

A brief overview of what the 'mutuality of obligation' means in the context of determining the IR35 status of a contract.
(Oct 21, 2009 in IR35 )

Umbrella company soars up Sunday Times league table

Leading PAYE umbrella company, Parasol, has continued on its impressive growth path with a 65 place surge up the Sunday Times HSBC Top Track 250 league table
(Oct 21, 2009 in News )

Self cert mortgage ban penalises would-be entrepreneurs

Following on from the FSA's proposals to ban 'self cert' mortgages, the ACCA has said that such changes would have serious implications for many would-be entrepreneurs, including contractors.
(Oct 21, 2009 in Money / Investing )

New guide to flexible working published

Bel Grant, a recent Contract Eye article contributor, has published a new guide on flexible working, which should appeal to contractors who use recruitment agencies.
(Oct 20, 2009 in News )

Tax deadline reminder for contractors

If you want to keep tabs on all your personal and business tax deadlines, you might like to download a handy PDF summary.
(Oct 20, 2009 in Tax / Accounting )

Will FSA 'self cert' lending ban affect contractor mortgages?

How will the proposed ban of 'self cert' mortgages by the FSA affect the IT contractor mortgage market?
(Oct 19, 2009 in Money / Investing )

Surge in number of IT contractors 'lying' on CVs

The number of people lying on their CVs has hit a three year high, with a massive increase in the number of IT contractors providing false information.
(Oct 19, 2009 in News )

Agency Workers Directive delayed until Oct 2011, limited company contractors excluded

As the Government confirms that implementation of the Agency Workers Directive (AWD) will be delayed until late 2011, small businesses - including limited company contractors - will be excluded from the legislation.
(Oct 16, 2009 in News )

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