IT Contractor Mortgages and Pensions

Contractors warned over new HMRC mortgage verification scheme
A new scheme, originally launched last year but now increasingly being used by lenders, could cause fresh problems for contractors who are applying for a mortgage or remortgage.

Lib Dem proposal to slash the tax relief on pensions could hit contractors hard
Contractors with pensions savings could be in the spotlight as Lib Dem minister Danny Alexander suggests that higher rate tax relief on pensions should be axed.

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.

How to deal with late payment problems
Here are some proactive steps you can take to maximise the chances of getting your invoices paid on time.

Contractor mortgages - steps to buying a new property
For contractors thinking of buying a new property, there are a number of typical stages you can expect to pass through from securing a mortgage offer, to completing on your new home.

Choosing an IT contractor bank account
If you're starting out as a limited company contractor, here are some tips for choosing the best business bank account for your company.

How can salary sacrifice arrangements reduce your tax bill?
Both umbrella and limited company contractors can benefit from significant tax breaks on pension investments. Our guide to salary sacrifice arrangements for contractors.

Advice for contractors looking to secure a mortgage before year-end
With only eight weeks to go, the rush is on for contractors looking to move before Christmas. The good news is you still have time to secure a mortgage if you act now.

Guide to IT contractor pensions
An overview of contractor pensions, and what to look out for when choosing a scheme provider.

Contractors to benefit from state pension reform
The Government's plan to introduce a £140 per week flat rate state pension for all will be welcomed within the contractor community, says a leading IFA.

Contractor pensions - act now before tax relief changes take effect
Contractor pensions offer a great opportunity to reduce the amount that you pay in tax. There is still time to act before the pension tax relief rules take effect April 6th 2011.

How can contractors get mortgages in the tougher regulatory environment?
Following the changes which have taken place in the mortgage market since the credit crunch began, we look at the options currently available to contractors who want to get on the housing ladder.

How contractors will be affected by the new pension tax relief rules
As part of the Government's ongoing cost cutting measures, new pension rules will apply for from 2011 which reduce the amount of tax relief available on contributions.

Contractor pension tax relief benefits slashed by Coalition
The tax saving benefits of contractor pensions are set to take a significant knock from April 2011 as the tax free limit is slashed in the Coalition's ongoing drive to ensure that the better off share the pain.

FSA to tighten mortgage lending rules
The FSA has outlined its plans to make the process of applying for a mortgage more stringent. There are fears that the self-employed (contractors included) may find it even harder to secure a mortgage loan.