Darren Upton, who ran a contractor accountancy firm for many years, faces 6 years in prison after being found guilty at Leeds Crown Court for using his clients' tax money to fund a luxury lifestyle.
HMRC much-criticised business record checking campaign has been postponed, pending changes to make the checks more targeted and 'educational'.
A landmark report from the Boston Consulting Group outlines how the digital economy is set to boom over the next five years, providing ample opportunities for contractors.
The Daily Mail has revealed that the former foreign secretary has been channeling his lucrative post-Westminster earnings through a limited company, where the shares are split equally between himself and his wife.
Parasol Group has announced strong results over the past year, and says the firm's commitment to compliance is a key factor in its ongoing success.
A landmark tax tribunal case has found a leading employment agency to be liable for substantial back taxes, after 500,000 temps were reimbursed for expenses, which should have been paid as salary.
The latest UK employment figures show that although the unemployment rate now stands at 8.4%, the number of 'self employed' has reached a new high of 4.2m.
A software firm has urged the UK's businesses to take more care when providing specs for IT work, to avoid going over budget, or even having to shelve projects entirely.
HMRC has reminded taxpayers new to self assessment that they only have a few days left to register for online submission.
Statistics released by the world's leading outsourcing site, show that the demand for IT freelancers is growing strongly.
2011 has not been lacking in excitement, with the birth of the AWR, ongoing economic uncertainty, and confirmation that IR35 is here to stay.
In the headline freelance webinar for National Freelancers Day 2011, he describes the intensification of freelance working in both the UK and the US, and explores the changing relationship between individuals and organisations.
The Chancellor's Autumn Statement will probably go down in history as one of the most depressing public finance statements ever made, although some of the measures may have a positive knock-on effect for contractors in the coming years.
A recent survey found that the most important thing a contractor would give to someone starting out is to make sure they have funds put aside for a rainy day.
The number of doctors and nurses working as contractors has increased significantly over the past two years, according to a new study.
David Cameron has praised freelancers for the contribution they make the UK economy, as new figures reveal that there has been a 12% increase in freelancer numbers since 2008.
To celebrate National Freelancers Day, the PCG is to upload a range of webinars to advise freelancers on a wide range of subjects from winning new contracts, to building a strong profile and working as a contractor.
Parasol has announced it has reached some significant milestones as one of the UK's leading umbrella companies.
The bad publicity suffered by the Business Secretary over his non-registration for VAT shows the importance of keeping on top of your accounting and legal obligations.
New data shows that the number of days businesses take to settle their outstanding invoices has increased markedly over the past year, with businesses in the North West the worst offenders.
PCG has launched a free Guide to Freelancing, aimed at both start-ups and long-term contractors.
Accountant Darren Upton, a familiar name in contracting circles, has been made bankrupt by the FSA following the collapse of a collective investment scheme he had been running for contractors.
A new iPhone app, which enables contractors to track and submit their expense and mileage claims online, is now available to download.
A survey of over 2,000 contractors and freelancers shows that the sector remains impressively confident about the future, despite the threat of continued economic strife.
PCG's second annual freelance lecture will take place on 23rd November, in the LSO St Luke's in London.
A new survey, carried out by two of leading industry organisations, shows that the most people believe that the government should facilitate more flexible working to stimulate the economy.
The Mirrlees Review has concluded that the UK's tax system is unnecessary complex, inefficient, and often unfair.
An accountancy firm has suggested that HMRC is deliberately biding its time before issuing penalty notices for late employers' tax returns, in order to charge higher penalties.
New proposals to ease the financial and corporate reporting requirements of small businesses, including most IT contractor companies, could result in lower accountancy fees and less red tape.
A new Mortgage Verification Scheme has been launched, which will enable mortgage lenders to check applicants' income declarations with HMRC records in cases where fraud is suspected.
A recent survey has provided an interesting insight into how recruiters process CVs, with wildly differing views held on the usefulness of submitting covering letters with contract applications.
The PCG has hit out at a recruitment agency for accidentally leaking the names and contract rates of thousands of its contractors to a bank, however it is the 'knee-jerk' reaction of the Unite union which has seemingly caused the most alarm.
A leading accountancy firm says that HMRC has launched its long anticipated clampdown against users of Employment Benefit Trust (EBT) schemes, but many of the claims for backdated taxes are 'wildly inaccurate'.
In the latest in a series of 'Spotlight' publications aimed solely at the issue of tax avoidance, HMRC has made a statement on the emergence of a new wave of tax avoidance schemes, aimed at contractors and highly paid employees.
A recruitment company says that London is home 40% of all new IT roles being created in the UK, driven by a recovery in the financial sector and a new boom in technology start-ups.
The latest e-skills report provides a positive outlook for the IT industry, with demand for IT professionals at its highest level since 2008, and private sector IT spending nearly pre-recessionary levels.
A recent survey by an online contractor accountancy firm suggests that many accountants have no, or little understanding of the IR35 rules. Common gripes include rising fees, poor communication, and late filing of important documents.
IT contractor Robert Huitson has failed in his bid to have his BN66 retrospective taxation ruling overturned at the Court of Appeal this week.
HMRC has published further guidance to prevent unscrupulous umbrella companies from offsetting expenses against National Minimum Wage payments to their employees.
The first APPG roundtable was held at the House of Commons earlier this month, with MPs discussing how the Government can help to boost the economy by better utilising flexible working.
A report by a firm of contractor accountants suggests almost half of the UK's small business owners lack even the most basic accountancy skills, and are therefore at risk from HMRC scrutiny.
The Office of Tax Simplification is to look at how the smallest unincorporated businesses are taxed, and to examine whether relief should be given to limited company owners who decide to disincorporate.
Earlier this week, the Government published a revised set of FAQs relating to draft legislation which put an end to the viability of employment benefit trust schemes for contractors.
In the latest in a series of campaigns aimed at tax dodgers, HMRC is targeting small businesses who have failed to register for VAT when they should have done.
A survey conducted by an IT job site shows that many permanent and contract IT workers view fighting boredom in the workplace as an important factor when looking for new roles.
The National Skills Academy for IT has launched a new suite of online courses, which provides access to a wide range of online learning, including major certifications, for a low annual fee.
The days of sending agencies your CV via traditional email look to be numbered, as LinkedIn plans to let users apply for jobs instantly from recruiter websites, by converting profiles into instant CVs.
Employment services provider, Parasol, will be hosting a series of online seminars over the next few weeks to address the confusion which surrounds the implementation of the Agency Workers Regulations.
A specialist accountancy firm has urged any contractors who have undisclosed offshore bank accounts to come forward and avoid paying hefty HMRC penalties
Despite Government guidance to encourage a level playing field for all contractors, it appears than a sizeable number of job postings are still being made which demand that applicants have pre-existing security clearance in place.
Given the massive consumer appetite for iPhone apps, it will come as no surprise to see some familiar contracting industry names joining in the revolution with their own mobile offerings.
The third National Freelancers Day will take place on 23rd November 2011. This year's event is set to be the most impressive yet.
Never far from the headlines, HMRC has issued a warning to companies working on the Olympic Games project to ensure that they do not avoid paying tax and NICs by deliberately misleading over the employment status of their workers and sub-contractors.
The Public Accounts Committee has delivered its report into the current ICT immigration scheme to ensure that overseas IT staff are not illegally transferred to the UK, potentially undercutting or displacing homegrown workers.
The PCG has launched a new website, Freelancing Matters, which aims to provide an interactive community for its visitors.
The 2011 BCS IT Industry Awards opened for entries this week. This year, new categories have been created to recognise entrepreneurship, mobile technology and embedded software.
We look at the pro-enterprise measures the Chancellor announced last week, some of which are relevant to contractors, and others which should benefit the private sector in general over the coming years.
The key points from today's Budget, as they relate to contractors and freelancers. IR35 to remain in place.
HMRC has launched a new programme to 'deter' hardcore tax cheats from re-offending.
A recent article reports on the rapid growth of of the Indian IT training industry, which offers courses for well under one third the price you'd pay in the UK.
With demand for oil set to increase rapidly over the next decade, experts predict that the demand for skilled engineers is likely to follow suit.
New government rules to stamp out the abuse of Intra Company Transfers (ICT) have been announced by the Home Office.
A new service has been launched to allow small businesses to tender for Government business - part of an initiative to cut out waste and provide transparency in the way Government departments choose their suppliers.
New research suggests that contractors are recognised for the value they bring to their clients, with 58% of those polled saying that they were appreciated for the work that they do.
This year's Skillfair fee rate survey is underway. The results will provide a snapshot of the health of the contracting and consultancy market in 2011.
A new trend report has revealed the extent to which social media is expected to boom across the UK's businesses in 2011, creating new opportunities for freelancers.
A specialist contractor accountancy firm has provided a detailed response to the OTS in an effort to help simplify the tax system, particularly focusing on the need to reform IR35.
New research from e-skills shows that the demand for IT skills is set to grow strongly over the next 5 years, with the industry increasingly favouring more seasoned IT workers over the under 30's.
The recent bankruptcy of two umbrella companies highlights how important it is for contractors and recruiters to take great care before engaging with a scheme, says a leading contractor service provider.
An offshore tax solution provider says it intends to take action against the authorities after a raid on its offices, subsequently deemed to be unlawful, resulted in bad publicity and job losses.
A contractor accountancy firm says that it has seen an unprecedented rise in the number of limited company contractors coming into the market - from a wide variety of industry sectors.
An umbrella industry body has welcomed recent moves to exclude travel and subsistence expenses from National Minimum Wage calculations.
Construction union, UCATT, has urged HMRC to investigate how some payroll companies have been registering workers as 'self employed' in order to slash employers' National Insurance bills.
Updated National Minimum Wage Regulations came into effect on 1st January 2011, which prevent umbrella companies from using travel and subsistence expenses in the calculation of the NMW.
Two companies involved in running the Sunday Solutions contractor umbrella scheme have been forced into liquidation in order to protect the public interest.
The coming year is set to be a turbulent one for financial service IT contractors, with the Eurozone crisis and spending cuts causing uncertainly for potential employers.
A recent survey for IT managers shows that 72% feel that the recession is not yet over in the IT industry, with 56% expecting the sector to emerge from the downturn in 2012.
The chief executive of umbrella company Parasol has welcomed the Government's hard-line tax avoidance stance over Employment Benefit Trusts.
An overview of the disguised remuneration measures to be introduced by the Government as part of the Finance Bill 2011, and how users of contractor EBT schemes are affected.
The Finance Bill 2011 is set to spell the end to the viability of EBT schemes (employment benefit trusts), which have been heavily marketed to contractors in recent years.
In the recent case of Tilson v Alstom Transport at the Court of Appeal, a contractor has had his claims for unfair dismissal rejected as there was no contractual relationship between himself and his end client.
With BN66 an area of great concern for users of offshore contractor tax schemes, the CIOT has called on the Government to oppose the general principle of retrospective taxation.
The PCG has welcomed the news that the Coalition is set to announced a major overhaul in the UK's immigration system today, including radical changes to the controversial intra-company transfer (ICT) rules.
A new survey of over 1500 contractors has revealed that nearly three quarters have actively chosen the freelance lifestyle as a long-term career option.
The Mirrlees Review of the UK tax system, published by the Institute of Fiscal Studies, has recommended some radical changes to the way individuals and companies are taxed.
The PCG's inaugural freelance lecture, hosted by Sue Lawley, is set to take place at the Stationers' Hall in London on 23rd November.
A new All Party Parliamentary Group for the Freelance sector has been formed, following its inaugural meeting in the Commons last week.
The OTS has released a complete list of over 1,000 tax reliefs currently in place, as part of its ongoing work to simplify the tax system.
It may be true, or perhaps IT workers are just more paranoid than most, but a new survey suggests that IT professionals believe they are treated worse than employees in other departments.
Danbro is offering a series of free workshops and training days for recruiters on topics affecting the contracting industry.
To coincide with National Freelancers Day on 23rd November, the PCG is urging freelancers and contractors to take a few minutes to complete a survey to ensure that the sector's collective voice is heard.
Following the Spending Review, a leading umbrella company says that hiring contractors could help make huge annual budget savings.
A leading contractor accountancy firm has reported a sharp increase in the number of limited company formations this year, suggesting that a change is taking place to the UK's traditional working model.
An umbrella company provider says that umbrella contractors could end up overpaying tax if proposals to create a centralised national payroll bureau go ahead.
HMRC has urged taxpayers and their agents who still submit paper tax returns each year to consider filling online.
Following his indictment last year, a US IT contractor has been found guilty of planting a malware bomb on a mortgage company's server and could face up to 10 years in prison.
The latest Report on Jobs suggests that the recruitment market for both permanent and contractor roles has started to flatline.
HMRC have raided the offices of an Isle of Man based contractor tax scheme, as the Government steps up the pressure on suspected tax avoiders.
Contractors are being urged to take extra care of their tax record keeping, as the self employed are now at a higher risk of being investigated by HMRC.
As part of the activity revolving around National Freelancers Day 2010, the PCG is holding a number of free mastermind sessions for contractors, to help overcome common business challanges.
The Cabinet Office has responded to an online petition suggesting that IT contractors should be able to clear themselves to work on 'sensitive' Government projects.
The 50% additional rate of income tax is set to remain in place for the foreseeable future, not least as it is considered to be a symbolic measure by the Coalition.
A tax expert has warned that the forthcoming tax clampdown, announced by the Government this week, could mean lengthy investigations for innocent businesses and individuals.
Broadcaster Sue Lawley is set to host the inaugural PCG freelance lecture in London on 23rd November.
Following the Government's plans to tackle non-compliance in the tax system, the chief executive of Parasol says that contractors who rely on EBT schemes should now be feeling extremely nervous.
Contractors can sign up now to attend the PCG's first freelance lecture on 23rd November at Stationer's Hall, London.
With millions of people due to receive PAYE tax rebates or demands for underpaid tax shortly, the ACCA provides some tips on how to deal with an HMRC demand for payment.
Following an optimistic start to 2010 for the contracting industry, the PCG has launched a new poll to see how contractors view their prospects for the coming months.
The FCSA has welcomed HMRC's moves to be more flexible in resolving tax disputes, but urges more attention to be paid to non-compliant contractor service providers.
The PCG has warned contractors to continue being vigilant over IR35 as HMRC appears to be adopting a more devious approach to tax enquiries.
The latest Government consultation could result in a radical overhaul of the PAYE system, in an aim to reduce costs for both HMRC and employers.
The PCG is to hold its first freelance lecture in London this November, supported by the Telegraph Media Group.
The Government has released further security clearance guidance which aims to reiterate that contractors should not have to hold existing clearance in order to apply for sensitive roles.
The latest REC Report on Jobs shows that both permanent and contract job appointments increased in July, however the rates of growth have slowed a little.
A new website has been launched which brings together every law created since 1267 - providing access to a staggering 6.5 million documents.
A leading recruitment body has announced its plans to work with the OTS to develop alternative legislative approaches to IR35.
A recent IT skills reports shows that the sector continues to climb out of recession, with contract roles continuing to increase.
A recruitment consultancy has outlined the UK's most in-demand IT jobs so far this year - dominated by developer positions.
Parasol has launched a new calculator, which provides accurate and transparent net take home pay calculations for umbrella company contractors.
Business groups have responded positively to the launch of the Office of Tax Simplification. One of its tasks will be to review IR35.
The number of limited company formations has started to rise once again following two years of falls, according to Companies House data.
The coalition has launched a new site to enable people to suggest which laws and regulations should be scrapped. Unsurprisingly, IR35 has already been nominated numerous times.
Hewlett-Packard is to lay off a further 934 workers, with further cuts possible. The company still retains 2000 contractors, which the Unite union says "adds insult to injury".
An IT recruiter has warned that a cap on migration could cost the UK economy dear, as businesses will not be able to source the key workers they require.
PCG were presented with two top awards at the Trade Association Forum 2010 Best Practice Awards in London last week.
A leading specialist accountant has told Contract Eye that contractors should be generally pleased with the outcome of Tuesday's Budget.
The contracting industry has broadly welcomed the Emergency Budget, as most contractors have escaped relatively unscathed.
Today's budget included rises in the rates of VAT and CGT, Corporation Tax reductions, and a complete overhaul of the benefit and tax credit systems.
With the Chancellor set to deliver his emergency Budget today, Contract Eye will carry all the latest updates and analysis throughout the day.
In advance of the emergency budget, a leading contractor accountancy firm outlines its expectations for 22nd June.
A leading contractor accountancy firm has called for any future IR35 review to focus on clarity.
No further details have emerged of when or how the IR35 legislation will be 'reviewed', although the Treasury confirmed that further details will be announced in due course.
To celebrate the role freelancers and contractors make to the UK economy, the second National Freelancers Day is set to take place on 23rd November.
The PCG has unveiled a new checklist containing 12 key points to help clients when starting a project using contractors or freelancers.
The Professional Contractors Group, has responded positively to the Queen's Speech, which reflected coalition plans for a simpler and fairer tax system.
The coalition has unveiled its plans to slash red tape, review business taxation, and encourage enterprise over the next five years.
The PCG has welcomed the formation of the new coalition government, and says it hopes both parties will push for the abolition or full review of the IR35 legislation.
The results of polls by two leading business organisations shows that most business owners view cutting the UK's budget deficit as the key priority for the new coalition government.
The new Chancellor has announced the date of his Emergency Budget. The Budget is set to be delivered on June 22nd, and is sure to contain a whole range of spending cuts as well as tax rises.
The Conservatives are by far the most favoured political party for contractors, according to an opinion poll carried out by a leading contractor accountancy firm.
Umbrella company Parasol is celebrating its 10th anniversary this month, having serviced the needs of 37,000 contractors since it was formed.
A new survey suggests that contractors are feeling more optimistic about the future, but concerns still remain about the economy and taxation.
A disgruntled Contract Eye reader sent us an interesting email this week which deals with an often overlooked subject - recruitment agency terms and conditions.
HMRC has finally agreed to end its IR35 court case action against Larkstar Data, yielding the tax authorities just pennies for their trouble.
Engineering businesses are being urged to take on more contract engineers as they seek to rebuild following the recession.
A new survey suggests that, despite the media's infatuation with social networking sites, IT job seekers still overwhelmingly look for new work via job sites and recruitment agencies.
The Latest REC/KPMG Report on Jobs shows that both permanent and contract placements rose at a significant pace during March 2010.
The Service Providers Association (SPA) has re-branded today and will now be known as the Freelancer and Contractor Services Association (FCSA).
Following on from the news that the Conservatives plan to 'review' IR35, a leading contractor accountant accuses the Tories of electioneering.
A new contractors' opinion poll has been launched in the run up to the next General Election. The survey aims to collect information on contractors' views on areas including the Agency Workers' Directive and IR35.
Are commission payments from umbrella companies to recruitment agencies reaching unsustainable levels in some cases?, and could this benefit non-compliant umbrella schemes?
At last week's Budget, the Government announced its intention to introduce new legislation to clamp down on Employee Benefit Trusts (EBTs) and other 'tax efficient' schemes from April 2011.
Budget 2010, which was as strong on political point scoring, as it was lacking in significant announcements, contains few surprises for contractors.
Looking forward to what is likely to be a political Budget, what can contractors expect?, and where to follow coverage online.
A pre-Budget survey shows that contractors have very mixed views on the state of the economy, are move likely to vote Conservative than any other party, and are overwhelmingly against the Chancellor's decision to hike up NI rates.
A contractor umbrella service has recently been launched which is currently free to use. We asked Springboard Umbrella how they can offer such a service.
A leading contractor accountancy firm, says that 2010 has seen a massive rise in the number of contractors forming limited companies.
The Chancellor has confirmed that Budget 2010 will be delivered on 24th March - as widely anticipated by the media.
Further evidence of the increased firming of the IT jobs market has emerged, as the Monster Employment index shows the highest level of online job openings since December 2008.
Leading recruiter, SThree, has reported a 31% year on year drop in UK contractor numbers, but says that the market showing some meaningful signs of improvement over the past few months.
Contractor accountancy firm, Danbro, has collected a gong for 'Small Deal of the Year' at the Insider Dealmakers Awards 2010.
A leading contractor accountancy firm has launched an online calculator to help contractors work out the income difference between working via a limited or umbrella company, and inside or outside of IR35.
The latest REC/KPMG 'Report on Jobs' suggests that the permanent jobs market is recovering fast. Contract billings continue to increase month-on-month, albeit at a modest rate.
Recruiters have acknowledged the growing influence of social networking sites on the recruitment process, and how this trend could lead to a reduction in agency income in the future.
New figures suggest that investment banks are still suffering from a lack of confidence in the sector, with new permanent and IT contractor job offers still low.
A leading tax body has called the increasing use of retrospective tax legislation as inherently unfair, as further measures introduced by Government.
A recruitment law specialist has said that agencies should ensure they have adequate protection against the possible failure of umbrella companies they use.
The SPA, which represents several leading umbrella companies, has responded to claims that there is a lack of regulation within the umbrella industry.
An online accounting software provider for contractors has added a new module to help produce estimates and invoices in overseas currencies.
Administrators have been appointed to Albany Holdings Ltd and its subsidiaries after its business in the UK appears to have faced cash-flow problems, which has resulted in some of its contractors not being paid.
The PCG, Recruitment and Employment Confederation, and the Cabinet Office, have expressed their concerns that contractors are being asked if they hold security clearance for certain jobs before they are offered the placement.
We recently joined forces with WPA to provide private medical insurance to our visitors. Already a good value service, you can currently add a family member for free for the first year.
The SPA, which represents contractor accountants, umbrella companies and other service providers, has welcomed the recent announcement to produce a formal definition of a 'professional contractor'.
PAYE umbrella company, Parasol, has also been ranked at the top of the Sunday Times Buyout Track 100 for the fastest growing profit margins of any equity-backed business in the region, and 14th nationwide.
The latest REC/KPMG Report on Jobs shows that the demand for staff grew at the strongest pace recorded since July 2007, with contract billings continuing to rise significantly during January,
Outlining its aims for 2010, Professional Passport believes that a a recognised definition of a 'professional contractor' could reap benefits for contractors, Government, recruitment agencies, and end clients.
Leading recruitment company, SThree, has announced a steep fall in revenues in 2009, following one of the worst years ever recorded for the industry, however the contract side of the business has held up well.
In a highly competitive market, a new entrant has come up with an innovative selling point - a free umbrella company service for contractors.
Following yesterday's High Court ruling that HMRC could apply taxes retrospectively in a 'BN66' offshore tax case, the PCG has expressed concern that the judgement could be seen as opening the door to retrospection elsewhere within the tax system.
Hundreds of contractors who have used offshore tax schemes could now be liable for millions in unpaid taxes, after the High Court ruled that HMRC could legally close a tax avoidance loophole retrospectively.
HMRC have asked self assessment taxpayers to ensure that they pay their liabilities into the correct bank account, or face having their payments returned.
The number of online jobs advertised has plummeted to levels not seen since January 2004, according to an index which monitors the number or roles advertised by many of the leading job sites on the web.
New research suggests that employers feel ripped off by recruitment agencies, and feel frustrated that there didn't seem to be any consistency in the rates charged by agents.
Responses to a recent contractors' opinion poll support the belief that the intra company transfer (ICT) rules are being widely abused by businesses as a way of bringing cheap foreign labour in to the UK.
Contractors should be careful what they post information on social networking sites as most employers now research potential candidates online.
Following several attempts to clamp down on tax avoidance in recent years, HMRC has published advice on how taxpayers can identify such schemes.
The Service Providers Association, which represents some of the UK's leading umbrella and accountancy firms, has appointed a new chairman.
A leading IT job site has asked candidates what their predictions are for 2010. Banking, software and telecoms look like being hot sectors for the year ahead.
For most contractors, the PBR wasn't the disaster many had feared. Here are some views from contractor industry experts on the Chancellor's speech.
The Chancellor announced a number of tax hikes which will be delayed until after the election. The small companies' corporation tax rate will remain at 21% in 2010/11 after all.
A leading specialist accountant outlines his company's thoughts and expectations for the December Pre-Budget Report, and the difficult task facing the Chancellor
One of Europe's largest recruitment agencies, SThree, says that the company has successfully weathered some severe trading conditions of late. The firm says that most job markets are now stable, or improving.
Leading contractor service provider, Brookson, has strengthened its compliance offering by employing an in-house legal team for the first time.
A business expert says that more companies than ever are opting not to employ new staff but instead look to freelancers and consultants in order to fulfil their business needs.
Employment status experts, Bauer and Cottrell, have launched two new services aimed at helping contractor accountancy service providers with IR35 issues.
Another sign that the worst of the downturn may be over has come in the form of a marked reduction in the average time businesses are made to wait until their invoices are settled.
It's all change at the leading representative group for freelancers, as the PCG drops its 'contractor' tag in order to be more inclusive.
A major survey shows how many UK companies are surviving the recession by adopting a more flexible freelance workforce.
The Service Providers Association (SPA) has launched its code of conduct for umbrella companies and businesses providing support services to contractors.
A major survey suggests that, after a difficult 12 months, freelancers and contractors are well placed to take advantage when the recovery begins.
A wide range of events are being held to promote National Freelancers Day on 23rd November.
The Chancellor has announced that he will deliver his Pre-Budget Report on 9th December.
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.
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.
The PCG has taken exception to a Daily Telegraph article which describes how tax inspectors may pursue taxpayers before they break the law.
The deadline to file a paper tax return is 31st October, however you have three extra months if you file online.
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
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.
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.
A group of experts will be looking forward to the future of freelancing in a special webcast to mark National Freelancers Day.
The mainstream press has expressed its 'shock' as it has been revealed that many BBC personalities - including Jeremy Paxman and Chris Moyles - 'avoid tax' by working via their own limited companies.
CV Screen, a specialist IT recruitment agency has reported a sizeable 23% surge in demand for IT professionals during the third quarter of 2009.
A unique electronic ID validation service has been launched for IT contractors, providing a safeguard against identity theft when submitting sensitive documents to agencies.
Recent Government reforms to the points based immigration system might actually result in an increase to the number of non-EU workers arriving in the UK via the intra-company transfer system.
SJD Accountancy has launched its own iPhone application which shows limited company contractors what their take home pay would be for a given hourly or daily rate.
Specialist accountants have urged recruitment agencies to be cautious in the way they deal with construction industry scheme (CIS) contract workers.
A contractor accountancy firm has warned contractors to be on their guard as the Government plans its latest attack - this time on 'false self employment'.
Companies are being urged to ensure that any self-employed contractors they hire cannot be classified as workers following an House of Lords ruling which enables employees to claim backdated holiday pay.
The deadline for entries for the BCS and Computing UK IT Industry Awards has been extended until August 7th.
A survey has revealed some interesting insights into voting intentions of IT contractors, and their views on the general economy and the competence of HMRC.
IT contractors with Linux skills are expected to be in great demand following Google's plans to release its Chrome operating system in late 2010.
The Government has been asked to work with the recruitment industry to address the problem of 'phoenix' companies, where bust agencies abuse insolvency rules to shed debts and start up new companies.
An intensive business law course to help recruitment agents become fully compliant with a wide range of legal issues will be run over the summer.
A limited company sub-contractor has won an unfair dismissal case, having successfully claimed that he was an 'employee' under employment status rules.
Contract workers are being urged to be careful when seeking advice from high street accountants, as a survey suggests that mainstream firms are often unaware of contractor-specific legislation and compliance issues.
The PCG has called on the Government to reform the current immigration system following the controversial use of intra-company transfer (ICT) work permits by large companies.
A leading recruitment body says that IT contractors should be excluded from the Agency Workers Directive, as they don't need the same protection as lower paid agency workers.
A contractor has petitioned No.10 in protest at the current security clearance rules which appear to discriminate against many well-qualified IT workers.
Contractors surveyed about the proposed changes to the Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Business Regulations 2003, have stated overwhelmingly that they wish to retain the ability to "opt out" of the regulations.
The PCG has commented on the recent BBC radio programme which exposed how BT IT contractors have been replaced by cheap 'offshore' workers, thanks to a loophole in the work permit rules.
UK Contractors recently laid off by BT have been replaced by Indian nationals, transferred via a loophole in the work permit system, according to the BBC.
The PCG has called for a overhaul of current tax legislation following revelations that cabinet ministers have reclaimed the costs of professional help with their personal tax affairs.
Contractors are urged to take extra care when choosing an umbrella company to work though, following the closure of several high profile schemes in recent weeks.
The UK's leading contractor group has expressed its disappointment at the news that BT is to shed up to 10,000 contractors in a cost-cutting exercise.
Following poor financial results, telecoms giant BT has announced further job cuts, thought to include another 10,000 contractors and agency staff, over the next year.
If you thought that the web was the only source for quality contracting information, you might need to think again, as the Contractors' Handbook is launched.
The producers of BBC's File on 4 are seeking views from contractors on the intra company transfer issue, and how companies may be abusing the rules.
'National Freelancers Day' will take place later in the year, to acknowledge the contribution freelancers, contractors and consultants make to the UK economy.
In an uninspiring Budget for contractors, the Chancellor announced a headline-grabbing new 50% income tax rate from 2010, but no announcements were made on IR35 or other relevant issues.
The PCG says that many contractors will be "sorely disappointed" by today's budget announcements.
Most freelancers secure new work via word of mouth, according to new research from a leading freelance advice site.
A recent Parliamentary report shows that small businesses are still finding difficult to bid for public sector contracts, despite Government policies and attempts to intervene.
An interesting article in The Times highlights the problem of gaining security clearance for Government contracts.
The PCG is seeking evidence from contractors that some clients may be abusing the points-based immigration system (PBS).
A recent survey suggests that the number of long-term unemployed contractors is far lower than it was five years ago.
APSCo has called on the Government to close a loophole which allows companies to hire non-EU workers without having to first advertise the job vacancies in the UK.
An IT contractor has been indicted in the U.S of damaging his client's offshore oil rig computer systems, after his application to become an 'employee' was turned down!
The PCG, which represents UK contractors and freelancers has uploaded a new guide to accessing the benefits system for people who find themselves out of contract.
Parasol, a leading PAYE umbrella company has unveiled a new portal for its employees.
New research suggests that most IT directors feel they are paying too much for their IT contractors, and that 'flexible resourcing' could provide a cost-effective alternative.
New data, obtained from the Home Office, reveals that the number of overseas IT work permits issued in 2008 was almost three times higher than during the dot com boom.
As the contractor representative body celebrates its 10 year anniversary, we look at some of its key achievements - from IR35 and Section 660, to protecting the UK's IT skills.
The Chancellor has announced that the 2009 Budget will be unleashed on 22nd April.
A new report which highlights a more cost-efficient and fair approach to public IT procurement has been welcomed by the leading contractor representative group.
An IT contractor, sacked by US mortgage company, Fannie Mae, has been indicted for trying to destroy the company's entire PC network and the data stored within it.
SThree, one of the leading contract recruitment agencies announced good financial results for the last year, with a 20% increase in gross profits. The company had nearly 6,000 contractors on its books by year end.
A national paper has revealed that some of the Government's biggest IT project costs have spiralled completely out of control.
The Conservatives will encourage the use of open source software in public sector projects, and plan to cap the amount committed to IT software contracts if they win the next election.
One of the world's leading job sites has admitted that hackers have stolen the details of potentially millions of job seekers who have registered to use the site.
An Australian IT contractor has admitted causing massive damage by hacking into the Northern Territories computer system. His lawyer claims the contractor had suffered a "brain snap".
Parasol, a leading contractor umbrella company provider, has seen a near 300% rise in operating profit over the past year and predicts further success in 2009.
The PCG, which represents the UK's IT contractors and freelancers has launched a major new survey to find out more about the nature of the UK's freelance workforce.
Thanks to a concession in the Pre-Budget Report, over 20,000 businesses have been allowed to delay paying their tax liabilities to HMRC.
A leading contractor recruitment company says that job security was not a leading priority for IT contractors. Contract length and financial reward are the most important considerations when taking out a new contract.
A leading global news network has acquired papers which suggest that Google has been steadily dumping large chunks of its IT contractor workforce over the past few months.
Proposals to create a very large IT system to speed up bank failure claims processing could provide a timely boost for financial services IT contractors.
After a series of widely-publicised rate cuts in the financial services sector, today Barclays Bank confirmed that it will be laying off 250 IT contractors as the recession continues to bite.
Many contractors will be amused to hear that HMRC is the latest organisation to be targeted by a 'phishing' scam.
One of the UK's leading umbrella companies, Parasol, has acquired one of the best-known contractor accountancy firms - Quay Accounting.
The results of a poll carried out by a leading recruitment body suggests that IT recruiters remain optimistic about the future, despite the current economic downturn.
The number of engineering contractors out of contract for over 90 days has jumped markedly over the past quarter.
The recent BT job cut announcement has highlighted the vulnerability of contractors during lean economic times, but this is also an example of the reality of how flexible freelancers need to be to survive.
The controversial Agency Workers Directive has been passed, unamended, by the European Parliament. Contractors are still unsure whether they will be affected by the new rules.
A recruitment company says that contractors need to "review their working styles" as blue-chip companies evaluate their current staffing levels in a difficult economic climate.
The representative body for recruitment agencies says that planned VAT changes from April 2009 will add a huge cost to the recruitment of temporary staff and contractors.
A recruitment firm has urged private and public sector business leaders to get to grips with the freelance mindset and understand what an innovative resource freelancers can be.
A recent survey of 700 contractors revealed that virtually none of them would consider voting for Labour if a General Election was called tomorrow.
A leading contractor umbrella company provider has signed up to be the main club sponsor of Hull Kingston Rovers in 2009.
A leading accountant says that "high-end" contractors are unlikely to be seriously affected by the planned EU Temporary Workers Directive, even if they come within its remit.
Given the acquisition of HBOS by Lloyds, it seems inevitable that more techies than the original "5%" will be worried about their future.
Thanks to new expert research, we now have a good idea of how many freelancers and contractors there are in the country.
IT contractors will be pleased to hear that all IT occupations have been kept off the skills shortage list.
IT Contractor accountants, Danbro, have uploaded the latest in a new series of podcasts discussing the importance of using a compliant service provider.
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New research shows that despite current recruitment shortfalls in the industry, less than one in twenty finance and accounting contractors actually work for accountancy firms.
Contractor service providers seeking to become members of recruitment industry body ATSCo will now have to pass new compliance checks which have been devised with HMRC.
The PCG says it is pleased to hear about a recently published Law Commission paper which offers hope to people who have been victim to episodes of incompetence and aggression by HMRC
An IT Contractor was shocked when he returned from holiday in Portugal to face a massive mobile phone bill.
Fujitsu, a leading contractor behind the planned multi-billion pound NHS linked computer project, has terminated its contract following a disagreement over payment.
A new survey by a specialist accountancy form shows that 80% of professional contractors surveyed believe they will be "considerably" worse off by the end of the year.
The PCG has reassured its members that today's Agency Workers announcement will not have any immediate impact on them.
A new poll reveals that a worrying number of people still are of the view that IT pros are 'techie geeks' with no social skills or social lives.
New research has confirmed what most people knew anyway - that many "remote workers" are visiting smutty websites using company laptops.
Computer Weekly recently ran a story on bullying within the workplace. According to the article, bullying can often start where IT managers do not know much about the technology in use on their projects.
The Agency Workers Bill, which will give agency workers equal rights as full-time employers, is unlikely to include IT Contractors, according to a leading recruitment body.
New research shows that recruitment agencies seem to be weathering the uncertainty caused by the "credit crisis" without any real problems.
A leading freelancer group has condemned proposals to give new powers to HMRC, which would give tax inspectors more powers to "snoop" on contractors.
HMRC have kindly extended the online self assessment deadline by 24 hours after their systems failed to cope under the strain of online submissions.
According to new research, IT contractors are positive about the contracting market this year, despite the so-called 'credit crunch' and recent financial market uncertainty.
Hundreds of companies are paying too much for their project management contracts according to market research.
New research suggests that IT Contractors value the lifestyle benefits of contracting more than the financial rewards.
The Government has gained a delay in the implementation of the controversial Agency Workers Directive.
Labour costs for UK business will rise from 10-20 per cent if the Agency Workers Directive is passed today.
Following the Government's child benefit data fiasco, a leading tech site has published an amusing article which highlights the "Top 10 IT Disasters of all time".
Contractors are likely to lose chances to obtain employment rights in an upcoming decision of the Appeals Court - despite being taxed like employees.
An IT Contractor group is calling for HMRC to be placed under a duty of care to taxpayers following the child benefit record "loss".
The Court of Appeal has ruled that a freelancer is entitled to compensation after his affairs were badly handled by HMRC. He was forced to close his business as a result.
A new report suggests that entrepreneurs are actually more optimistic than they have been at any time since 2003.
Following the Northern Rock episode, what can we learn from the crisis. How will IT contractors be affected?
A leading IT Contractor Group says it is still concerned about the recent administration of an employment management company, Prosperity4.
The proportion of all IT contractors who work in the engineering sector has almost doubled in just 12 months, as preparations for the 2012 Olympics accelerate, according to new research.
The IT and Comms Sector Group of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation is launching new industry-wide Codes of Practice in conjunction with the PCG.
The PCG has given a mixed response to Budget 2007 - including comment on the controversial Managed Service Company legislation.
IT contractors are responding positively to the threat posed by offshoring to entry-level IT jobs by favouring roles that allow them to develop higher value skills and gain management experience.
The Professional Contractors Group is surveying the UK’s freelancers and contractors to gain a detailed understanding of how they interact with HM Revenue and Customs.
Poor "grammer" and "speling" put job prospects at risk - Job Candidates make basic errors, says new survey
Contractors believe financial services will provide most job opportunities for 2007
Greater use of contractors could be a possible solution to greater employment risks, according to a leading contractor services provider.
Only 4% of all IT contractors go three months or more without work between contracts, the lowest figure for long term joblessness for IT contractors since the downturn, according to a new report.
PCG, the trade association for freelance consultants and contractors, has published the fourth edition of its Guide to Freelancing
A leading contractor group says that a freelancer's 'debt diary' on the BBC site highlights some of the misconceptions surrounding contracting.
Amicus says there is evidence that industries such as IT are seeing an influx of short-term workers from abroad at the expense of resident UK professionals
Research shows firms are less reliant on IT operational and programming staff with greater emphasis on obtaining and retaining project and programme management and business analyst skills.
The Professional Contractors Group has welcomed the publication this week of Talent on Tap: getting the best from freelancers, interims and consultants.
Most IT contractors think that their earnings will increase over the next 12 months, putting confidence in the IT sector at its highest level since the dot com boom.
The Government has more than doubled its share of usage of freelance IT consultants over the last two years to become the biggest employer of IT contractors in the country.
A new online tax planning guide has been released, including information on how to mimimise your tax liabilities, increase your savings and much more.
Once you have decided that IT contracting is something that you would like to do, there are a number of stages you will need to negotiate before starting work on your first contract.
How a contractor limited company works, and how to decide if its the right structure for you to trade under.
An overview of the IR35 tax legislation. What is IR35?, and what contractors should do to ensure that their contracts are not caught by the IR35 rules.
How contractor umbrella companies work, and what to look out for when choosing an umbrella scheme.
More tips for contractor success in 2011, from dealing with permies to deciding upon a business structure.
If you are considering becoming a contractor, or are a seasoned veteran, here are 5 success tips from the Contract Eye team to help you get the most out of contracting in 2011.
We look at the main positive and negative aspects of being an IT contractor, from the greater freedoms it brings, to the lack of security you might experience.
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.
If you are setting up as a limited company contractor, one of the first things you need to do is to open a business bank account.
What are the risks and rewards of becoming an IT contractor - the potential to earn more money and freedom versus risk.
Which trading structure should you use when you start our as an IT contractor - limited company or umbrella company?
What types of business insurance cover should IT contractors consider taking out?
With rates on the slide and the number of contract openings shrinking, what can IT contractors do to ensure they get through the current market downturn intact?
Once you have been offered an IT contract, you will need to negotiate both the rate you will be paid and consider the implications of IR35 before signing any contract.
Overview of the taxation and accounting requirements for IT contractors working via a limited company or umbrella company.
Once you have decided that IT contracting is the life for you, the next step is to find your first IT contract.
If you're thinking about becoming an IT contractor, it's worth taking some time to go over what is involved before taking the leap into the contracting world.
An overview of IT contractor banking, and an overview of the financial service products available to contractors.
We look at the series of steps you will need to take when joining a contractor umbrella scheme.
In this article, we look at IR35 and how it affects contractors. Why umbrella companies are the logical choice for contractors caught by the IR35 rules.
We look at the pros and cons of contracting via an umbrella company - seen by many as the "hassle free" solution.
What steps you should take if you want to switch umbrella companies. How to choose a new scheme, and what potential pitfalls you may encounter during the switching process.
Top tips on what to look for in a good contractor service provider - both umbrella companies and accountants, from FCSA Chairman Stuart Davis.
We outline the typical steps you will follow as an umbrella company employee - from joining a scheme, to submitting timesheets, expenses claims, and getting paid.
How does a PAYE umbrella company scheme work in practice? We look at the steps from signing up, to submitting your timesheets, getting paid, and how expenses are dealt with.
One of the first things umbrella contractors ask is - what can they claim for on expenses? The truth and 'mistruths' about reclaiming contractor expenses.
If you are contracting via an umbrella company, you will be paid either by BACS, CHAPS, or FPS. So what do these acronyms mean?
If you're decided to work via an umbrella company, you will be faced with a bewildering choice of providers. Here are 15 essential tips to help your compare umbrella companies.
Before you sign up to a contractor umbrella service, there are a number of questions you should ask prospective scheme providers.
The Government is to amend legislation to prevent some umbrella companies from exploiting National Minimum Wage rules.
Some tips from Rob Crossland on how to decide which of the hundreds of umbrella service providers out there is the right one for you.
We look at how net pay is calculated for PAYE umbrella company employees, following deductions for income tax, national insurance, and expenses.
What risks do contractors take by letting their service providers keep funds aside to meet future tax liabilities?
We look at the two main threats to the stability of an umbrella company - an HMRC enquiry, and using client monies to fund business growth.
With competition between umbrella schemes stronger then ever, can online umbrella comparison services help contractors choose a suitable provider?
Umbrella schemes may advertise their weekly or monthly charges net of tax. How to find out how much you will actually pay, depending on your personal tax status.
Before choosing a contractor umbrella company, you are likely to seek feedback and read reviews on companies in your shortlist. But how do you access this information?
With hundreds of umbrella companies operating in the UK, new contractors may find it difficult to choose the best one to sign up to. Here are some factors you should consider before joining a PAYE umbrella scheme.
HMRC continues to investigate umbrella companies and other businesses who may be breaking the law in the way they reimburse travel and subsistence expenses to their 'workers'.
Many contractors consider price to be a key factor when choosing an umbrella company. We look at typical umbrella company fees charged by providers, and why you should look at additional factors before signing up.
HMRC has announced new 'benchmark scale rates' for subsistence expense claims from employees who travel away from their normal workplace.
Some contractor umbrella companies claim to have special expenses 'dispensations' from HMRC. We explain why such claims are often misleading and why contractors can only ever claim for expenses they have actually incurred solely for business purposes.
The leading contractor representative group has called on the Government not to take "heavy-handed action" which would result in the removal of tax relief on expenses.
One IT contractor news site suggests that the Government could be about to score a spectacular own goal with its plan to attack contractor expenses.
The Service Providers Association intends to take a key role in the forthcoming consultation on travel expenses for umbrella company contractors.
Umbrella company contractors who claim for expenses that they have not incurred or embellish their expense claims need to be very careful, warns a leading IT contractor accountancy firm.
A specialist law firm said his week that HMRC's consultation on "agency workers" travel expenses marks the beginning of another phase in the government's review of the agency sector
HMRC has started its consultation process looking at travel expenses paid to temporary workers - as originally announced in the 2008 budget. Essential reading for anyone using a contractor umbrella company.
Contractor umbrella company operators who imply they can secure higher than normal expense dispensations are misleading contractors, says a industry expert.
What are contractor umbrella companies, how they operate, and how to go about choosing a reputable umbrella company.
IT Contractors a can alleviate financial stresses by maximising their income and making the most of their work expenses, advises a contractor umbrella provider.
The PCG has said that it is cautiously pleased to see that HMRC have announced its intention to clamp down on rogue contractor umbrella companies.
HMRC have waged war on contractor umbrella companies who have been abusing dispensations.
An IT Contractor Umbrella Company has been ranked in the Sunday Times Top 100 List for sales growth.
One of the UK's leading contractor umbrella companies has won a major industry acolade.
We look at two of the documents required when you set up a company, with particular reference to the Articles of Association.
Most IT contractors work via a limited liability company. So what is a limited company, what are your responsibilities as a director?
Contractors thinking of going into business for the first time may be daunted by the thought of forming a limited company. However, in reality, the company formation process is not complex.
Following the introduction of the Companies Act 2006, limited company directors can provide a 'service address' to appear on the public record, and keep their residential address private.
A limited company must record its intention to issue dividend payments via board meeting minutes, and issue each shareholder with a dividend voucher. A simple guide to getting the paperwork right.
At some stage during your contracting career, you may decide that you would like to change the name of your limited company.
A guide to dividends for contractors and small businesses. How to calculate them, when to distribute them and what paperwork you need to complete.
How to set up a limited company for your new business. What are the legal requirements?
We look at the advantages and disadvantages to contracting via a limited company, the most tax efficient way to contract.
If you have decided to contract via your own limited company, one of the first tasks you need to do is choose a suitable name for your new enterprise.
If you are thinking of contracting via your own limited company, there are typically three ways of incorporating your new company.
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 which you should be aware of.
If you want to set up as a limited company contractor, there are some things you should look out for when selecting a company name.
Moving from an umbrella to limited company structure should be a hassle free process - here are some things to bear in mind before making the move.
Limited company contractors will communicate with Companies House in a number of ways each year, from submitting their annual returns, to providing company information updates.
Are there any restrictions on who can become a limited company director, and do you need any qualifications?
Limited company contractors will need to get used to a new set of forms when they inform Companies House of any changes to their circumstances.
Many of the forms limited company contractors have previously used to interact with Companies House will change format on 1st October 2009 following the final implementation of the Companies Act 2006.
Limited company IT contractors should take note of the latest implementation of Companies Act changes, which come into force on 1st October 2009.
Most IT contractors work via limited or umbrella companies. So, what is a sole trader, and why do contractors rarely work outside the structure of a company?
In this article, we look at the processes involved in closing down your contractor limited company for good.
A dormant limited company is simply one that is not actively trading, and no accounting transactions pass through it. Why would contractors use a dormant company?
If you are a limited company contractor, how to inform Companies House if you change your personal or company address, company secretary, or your share capital.
Limited company contractors will be aware that, each year, they have to submit an 'Annual Return' form to Companies House. So, what is the purpose of Form AR01 (Formerly Form 363a)?
Many IT contractors who run limited companies appoint a company secretary. What does this optional role involve and what are the responsibilities of the role?
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.
When setting up a limited company for your IT contracting business, one of the first things you need to do is choose a suitable name for your enterprise.
A brief look at the two key ways to operate as an IT contractor - working via your own limited company, or using the services of an umbrella company.
From 6th April 2008, the appointment of a company secretary is now an optional requirement, following changes contained in the Companies Act 2006.
Changes to the ESC C16 rules have now been enacted by the Commons, meaning that contractors closing their limited companies will have to pay more tax when making a final distribution from 1st March 2012.
We explore two of the questions most often asked by limited company contractors - involving the timing, and tax point of dividend declarations.
A contractor recently sent in an question asking whether or not his wife needs to register to fill in a tax return, even though no tax will be payable on her dividend income.
HMRC has announced that changes are to be made to the tax treatment of shareholder distributions when a limited company is wound up.
If you are a limited company director, how much money should you put aside to settle your personal tax bill each year?
Some useful personal tax return tips for contractors to ensure you complete your self assessment form accurately and on time.
In the latest of our series on limited company expenses, we look at tax treatment of broadband installed at home.
Although most contractors work as one or two-man limited companies, with no other employees, you are allowed to claim back the costs of an annual party for your staff, as long as you follow the HMRC guidelines carefully.
What are the tax implications of paying for health insurance or gym membership via your limited company?
Some of the key accounting dates for limited company contractors, including PAYE/NIC and self assessment deadlines.
When you start to contract via your own company, you will be liable for a number of business taxes, in addition to the individual taxes you will already be familiar with when you had a permanent job.
An overview of the Flat Rate VAT Scheme, and how it could be advantageous for some limited company contractors.
HMRC has introduced a new range of penalties for late tax return submissions and payments.
If you are a limited company shareholder, how do you calculate the personal tax payable on dividends you receive?
In March 2008, the Chancellor announced a crackdown on the 'abuse' of loopholes in the double taxation treaties which exist between the UK and other countries. An overview of BN66 in light of the recent Huitson/Montpelier High Court case.
Employers and employees must both pay National Insurance Contributions on income paid above the primary threshold. What rates are contractors liable for?
An overview of the main VAT schemes available to limited company contractors, including the standard, cash accounting and flat rate VAT schemes.
If you are a limited company director, how do your choose the right combination of salary and dividends to maximise your tax savings?
An overview of Corporation Tax and how it applies to limited company contractors.
If you are a limited company contractor, you will incur a range of expenses while running your business. Here we look at what you can claim via your company, whether you're inside or outside IR35. RMAAN3AC63M4
Key tax rates and allowances for the 2011/12 financial year - Income Tax, NICs, Corporation Tax, Dividend Tax, IHT, ISAs, VAT, CGT, AMAPs.
Around this time of year, accountants tend to get excited about the measures the Chancellor is likely to deliver on Budget day. We examine the changes we already know about, and others that are likely to be announced on the 23rd March.
New financial penalties are to be imposed on individuals who file their personal tax returns late after April 6th 2011. One contractor accountant has criticised the move by HMRC, preferring to see a more educational approach.
HMRC has announced some changes to the way Corporation Tax returns and payments are made from April 2011. The small companies tax rate is also due to fall which will be welcome news to limited company contractors.
If you are a limited company contractor, you will need to be familiar with a number of HMRC forms, which cover VAT, Corporation Tax and your company payroll. Here, we look at what the most common forms are used for.
The standard rate of VAT rises from 17.5% to 20% on 4th January 2011, and the Flat Rate VAT percentage applicable to most IT contractors also rises from 13% to 14.5%.
Limited company contractors have three big changes to contend with in the New Year that will impact on how they manage their businesses.
If you set up a limited company, you need to inform HMRC of its existence, and register to pay Corporation Tax on company profits.
When you set up as a limited company contractor, one of the first tasks you carry out will typically be to apply for the company to become VAT registered. How does the process work?
A leading accountant says that the number of company directors taking illegal dividends or loans has risen at a rapid rate.
Following the Emergency Budget, many contractors will be aware that the higher CGT rate has risen to 28%, effective from 23rd June 2010.
If you sell all or part of your business, or its assets after trading as ceased, you may be able to claim entrepreneurs' relief on the proceeds and pay 10% instead of the standard CGT rate.
The most eagerly anticipated Budget in decades is likely to contain significant changes to most areas of business and personal taxation. What can contractors expect on June 22nd?
What are the likely tax consequences for contractors and small businesses following the creation of a Conservative / Liberal Democrat coalition government?
The 'service company' question on the 2009/10 P35 employer annual return could cause limited company contractors some confusion once again this year.
Any contractors registered for VAT should be aware of a number of changes to the VAT system, which take effect from 1st April 2010.
The income tax rates and bands for the 2010-11 tax year, including the new 50% rate, the gradual personal allowance removal if you earn over six figures, and the new 42.5% dividend tax band.
HMRC has released a new guide explaining which tax and accounting records contractors should keep, and how long they should keep them for.
HMRC has reminded taxpayers that they need to complete their annual self assessment tax returns online by 31st of January, to avoid paying a penalty.
Alongside the return to the old rates of VAT from 1st January, most contractors will also have to get used to filing their returns online from 1st April 2010.
Higher earning contractors are being urged to consider tax planning moves in advance of new higher rates of income tax which take effect from 6th April 2010.
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.
A summary of the most commonly used HMRC forms used by limited company contractors and their accountants.
If you want to keep tabs on all your personal and business tax deadlines, you might like to download a handy PDF summary.
A useful tool to calculate your post-tax income, depending on your choice of business structure - limited company, umbrella company, or PAYE via a recruitment agency.
Limited company contractors should be aware of some key tax and statutory filing deadlines.
If you are a limited company contractor, you can claim a modest tax-free sum by filing your employer annual return (P35) online this year - even if your accountant files on your behalf.
The latest income tax rates, taxable bands, dividend tax, and National Insurance (NIC) rates for the 2009/10 tax year.
Corporation tax rates for the 2009/10 tax year remain unchanged from 2008/9. IT contractor companies will continue to pay 21% on their profits.
Contractors should be aware of the tough new HMRC penalty regime which comes into play from 1st April and applies to errors made on tax returns and related documents.
Many recruitment agencies will be dreading the withdrawal of the VAT Staff Hire Concession from 1st April 2009, as the costs to non-VAT registered clients of hiring temporary workers will increase significantly.
Form-filling and filing is an everyday part of working as an IT contractor via a limited company. A summary of the key payroll forms - P45, P60, P11D, P35 and self assessment.
There are some important tax considerations to bear in mind when deciding whether to buy a company car, or claim a mileage allowance for business use of your own car.
The different ways contractor companies can account for VAT - the 'standard' VAT accounting, flat rate VAT, annual accounting, and the cash accounting schemes.
Value Added Tax guide for IT Contractors. When you should register for VAT, and how to deal with VAT administration.
IT contractors are allowed to claim back expenses they have incurred during their business duties. This article looks at some of the most common expenses you might incur as a contractor.
It's time to get those tax returns in again! IT contractors should ensure they submit their forms online and pay any tax owed by the 31st January deadline.
In a massively political Pre-Budget Report, the Chancellor delivered his expected cut in VAT, introduced a headline grabbing income tax hike for big earners and deferred another 1p hike in the small companies' corporation tax rate. Income shifting legislation has been delayed once more and there will be no action on the travel expenses tax relief issue.
Some contractors might be unaware of new rules which came into play in October 2007 which mean that VAT registered businesses must use unique and sequential numbers for their invoices.
Small business owners are being urged to claim all the tax relief they are entitled to from HMRC.
IT contractors must register for VAT if their annual turnover reaches the current VAT registration threshold. This article looks at the benefits of becoming VAT registered.
Contractors who want to submit a paper return should know that the deadline for submission has been moved forward this year to 31st October 2008.
The personal allowance and higher rate tax bands for the 2008/9 tax year have been changed in an attempt to make up for the abolition of the initial tax band following Budget 2008.
A look at companies who offer offshore arrangements for IT Contractors, and why you should be careful before signing up to an offshore scheme.
The CIOT calls for NIC's and income tax to be aligned, to simplify the small business tax system, and do away with the need for IR35, managed service companies, and much "income shifting".
National Insurance Contributions guide for contractors and freelancers, including current NIC rates.
The Government has attempted to put right the 10% tax band fiasco by fiddling with the income tax bands to ensure that high earners do not benefit from an increase in the personal allowance.
An interesting article has been published which looks at the mounting tax pitfalls which exist for owner managed companies.
Good news for any IT Contractors who fill in their own Self Assessment forms each year - the process is set to become a lot easier following a revamp of the current form.
Key tax tables including: Income tax rates and allowances, Corporation tax, Inheritance tax, Stamp Duty, National Insurance for the 2008-9 Tax Year
How Budget 2008 will affect IT Contractors - Income Shifting delay, Rogue Umbrella Company announcement, CGT taper relief abolition, and changes to Income Tax and National Insurance rates.
Ahead of the Budget on Wednesday, the Shadow Chancellor has called for a cut in the main corporation tax rate.
Draft legislation for the Government's capital gains tax "entrepreneurs' relief" concession has been published.
The Chancellor has published his latest changes to the CGT regime. Now, individuals will pay 10% CGT on business asset sales up to GBP1m over a lifetime. The 18% rate will kick-in on all sales above this threshold.
The proposed abolition of the CGT taper relief regime has created a massive backlash from UK businesses who will face a 80% tax hike when they sell their companies.
The results of a major online poll shows than most IT contractors are still confused about expense claims.
The ICAEW has called for action to be taken over the severe delays in the VAT Registration system - many contractors are thought to have been caught up in the delays.
Key tax tables including: Income tax rates and allowances, Corporation tax, Inheritance tax, Stamp Duty, National Insurance for the 2007-8 Tax Year
Just in case... An overview to the processes adopted during HM Revenue & Customs tax investigations:
Handy calculator to help you work out how much VAT to charge clients based on your net billing amounts.
Summary of the new 2006-7 tax rates and allowances, including income tax, corporation tax, national insurance and car tax.
Can IT Contractors claim back expenses for using part of their home as an office?
Personal tax rates for 2005-6, including Capital Gains Allowance and the taxable bands.
Some factors to consider before taking out a professional indemnity insurance policy. What is covered?, is it mandatory?, and how retroactive and run-off cover works.
Contractor income protection insurance can provide a tax free monthly income to protect you if you are unable to work due to illness or injury. What to look out for when choosing a policy.
Many clients now insist that contractors have adequate professional indemnity insurance cover in place. What is PI insurance?, and how to choose a policy.
There are some compelling reasons why most contractors should have adequate business insurance cover in place, even if it is not required by law
Income Protection for IT contractors - An overview of what PHI is and what to look out for when choosing a health insurance policy.
Guide to IT contractor insurance - including professional indemnity cover, IR35 insurance, public and employers' liability cover.
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.
Critical Illness cover will protect you from the financial consequences of falling ill. A guide for IT contractors.
What types of business insurance should IT contractors take out? Are contractors without adequate cover likely to find it harder to secure contractor work?
Overview of the insurance types available to IT contractors, including professional liability cover.
An overview of public liability insurance for contractors and small businesses - what it is, and how to get a quote.
Contractors looking to cover themselves and any dependants for specialist and hospital treatment costs may be interested in find out more about private medical insurance (PMI).
A guide to life cover for IT contractors - essential cover to protect your dependants in the event of the worst happening.
An overview of employers liability insurance for contractors, what the legal requirements are, and how to get an EL insurance quote.
Can IT contractors cover contract work performed in the past on a professional indemnity insurance policy?
A leading professional indemnity insurance provider warns that the recession may result in more claims against IT contractors by clients who claim that the services provided did not meet their expectations.
A guide to Public Liability and Employers Liability insurance cover for IT contractors.
A contractor services organisation has called on recruitment companies to make sure they are compliant with industry legislation, following news that one agency and its director are facing a large Transfer of Debt notice under the Managed Service Company rules.
A new survey suggests that less than a quarter of contractors polled felt confident that they were operating within the Managed Service Company rules.
One of the UK's leading contractor accountancy firms says it has become the first to be confirmed by KPMG as not being caught by the controversial Managed Service Company legislation.
The REC has warned recruiters and other third parties (such as the end-users of contractors) to get their house in order if they want to avoid unwanted tax bills.
HMRC have released a guidance document on the managed service company legislation. Includes indicators of whether a service provider may be an MSC provider.
Most contractors think that the impending legislation to effectively outlaw Managed Service Companies is unjustified and that it reflects an overall distrust of the self-employed by the British Government
An overview of the Managed Service Company legislation and how it applies to contractors. How to recognise an MSC provider.
Details of the law that defines Managed Service Companies (MSCs) and explains how they will be penalised under the new tax legislation, have finally been obtained.
A Managed Service Company Legislation Calculator has been launched to help UK contractors work out whether they will be affected by forthcoming changes to tax legislation due to be announced in the Budget today.
The Times reports that The Treasury may compromise on the date the "third party rule" element of the MSC legislation will take effect.
As the Managed Service Company legislation looms, the FT reports that company registrations have doubled as contractors aim to escape the Government's latest tax rules.
ICAS has called on HM Treasury to ensure that the proposed new legislation to combat tax avoidance by 'managed service companies' should be narrowly focused on those guilty of abuse.
The PCG has submitted its formal response to the Governments Managed Service Company (MSC) proposals.
There appears to be some confusion within the freelance industry with regard to the proposed MSC Regulations and if they apply to Umbrella Companies who have an HMRC Dispensation to pay expenses.
Gordon Brown's intention to crack down on Managed and Composite Service companies has been well reported within the contracting market, but if you are working through a company which falls under this definition do you really know what to do?
The Recruitment and Employment Confederation is concerned that proposals to change the way a quarter of all contractors are taxed have not been thought through by the Treasury.
A comment on the managed service company changes included in the Pre-Budget Report, by a leading IT contractor accountant. What should contractors do next?
In light of the Chancellor's Pre-Budget Announcement on Managed Service Companies (MSC's), what now for IT Contractors?
Pre budget report 6 December 2006: New managed service company legislation proposed - legal analysis of the new proposals, what might this mean for contractors?
The recent pre-budget report by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Gordon Brown, has sounded the death knell for Composite or Managed Service Companies - an opinion piece written by Simon Dolan.
In delivering this year's Pre-Budget Report, the Chancellor made it clear that he intends to come down hard on schemes designed to avoid paying income tax and National Insurance. Top of the list are "Managed Service Companies".
The Chancellor's proposals to remove the tax advantage offered by composite and managed service companies is the big story for freelancers and contractors in today's Pre-Budget Report.
IT contractor mortgages - how to get the best deals based on your contract rate. Includes an online mortgage enquiry form.
Here are some proactive steps you can take to maximise the chances of getting your invoices paid on time.
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.
If you're starting out as a limited company contractor, here are some tips for choosing the best business bank account for your company.
Both umbrella and limited company contractors can benefit from significant tax breaks on pension investments. Our guide to salary sacrifice arrangements for contractors.
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.
An overview of contractor pensions, and what to look out for when choosing a scheme provider.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Mortgage calculator for IT contractors which works out both repayment and interest only payments for a variety of interest rates.
Offset mortgages can offer great flexibility for contractors, and can also save tax. An overview of what offset mortgage are, and how best to make use of them.
How using a contractor specialist will help you take out a mortgage based on your contract rate alone.
Many contractors thinking about taking out a mortgage (or re-mortgage) over the past two years will have been more aware than most about the increased scrutiny with which lenders view mortgage applications. So, what is the outlook for the contractor mortgage market in 2010?
The mortgage market has changed markedly in the post 'crunch' world. Offset mortgages represent good value for many contractors.
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.
How will the proposed ban of 'self cert' mortgages by the FSA affect the IT contractor mortgage market?
If you are a limited company contractor, one of the first things you need to do is open a dedicated business bank account. We look at the steps you need to take complete the process.
As the weak economy impacts retirement planning for many, how contractors could benefit from the tax breaks offered by pensions.
With careful planning, IT contractors can avoid falling into the much-hated inheritance tax (IHT) net.
An overview of the key financial products on offer to IT contractors, including contractor mortgages, pensions, income protection, life cover and critical illness cover.
Contractors with initial fixed or discounted mortgage schemes that have now come to an end are being urged to consider current low fixed rates before they begin to rise again.
As the recession deepens, the number of businesses who have suffered late payment problems has rocketed. What should contractors do if their agency or client fails to pay on time?
A new tax year is a good time for contractors to review their finances. We look at how contractors can save money on everything from mortgages and ISAs to household and utility expenditure.
In Budget 2009, the Chancellor announced that higher rate tax relief on pension contributions will no longer be available from April 2011 if you earn over 150k per year.
With interest rates at their lowest in over 300 years, cash savers are taking a hit. Could this sound the death knoll for Cash ISAs?
IT contractors still have a few weeks to take advantage of late pension planning opportunities available before the end of the current tax-year.
Some practical advice for contractors to ensure that they protect themselves from late paying or non-paying clients
HMRC have accepted that employer contributions by contractor's one-man limited companies should be universally eligible for tax relief.
How IT contractors have benefited from the buy-to-let mortgage boom, and how to take advantage of current market conditions.
'A' Day (Appointed day) arrived on 6th April 2006 and brought with it sweeping and radical changes for contractors looking to invest in a pension, either via a one-man limited company or personally.
Following news that the Student Loans Company boss has been receiving remuneration via his own personal services company, we ask whether this would this have made him a classic target for an IR35 investigation.
Although the Intermediaries Legislation was created to target alleged disguised employment by limited company directors, how are sole traders affected by IR35?
John Spencer, a retired IT specialist, experienced mixed emotions at a recent First Tier Tax Tribunal hearing, where a long-term engagement was deemed to be only partially subject to the IR35 rules.
The latest IR35 Forum minutes show that advances have been made over how HMRC proposes to more accurately identify IR35 targets in the future.
A new Freedom of Information Request reveals that significant sums of tax have been raised from contractors who self certify themselves as being caught by IR35.
HMRC has released further data showing that the number of IR35 status enquiries has dropped dramatically since the early 2000's, but the tax raised per enquiry in more recent years has increased greatly.
The latest IR35 Forum minutes show that HMRC is seeking further feedback from industry stakeholders to help improve the way IR35 is currently administered.
Marc Morris from 1st Option looks at HMRC's conflict between maximising its tax yield, and encouraging the development of a flexible workforce in the UK.
Data released by HMRC shows that the number of IR35 status reviews has shrunk massively in recent years, as has the amount of tax yielded as a result of such enquiries.
A new Liberal Democrat IT policy paper, to be debated at the forthcoming party conference, has called for IR35 to be suspended.
The minutes of the second IR35 Forum meeting have been published, and covered areas such as the IR35 helpline, and how HMRC's compliance units intend to operate in the future.
The UK Supreme Court has upheld an earlier ruling by the Court of Appeal that contract wording cannot determine the employment status of workers, if it doesn't reflect the reality of the working arrangements.
A tax tribunal has found another contractor to be in business on his own account following an eight year IR35 challenge by HMRC.
In an IR35 defeat for HMRC, a tax tribunal failed to find any evidence that a contract of employment existed between an engineering contractor and his client.
We look at why the Intermediaries Legislation was created, who it is aimed at, and the problems that complying with IR35 has caused contractors since 2000.
IT contractors may wish to take out tax investigation and/or IR35 insurance to cover them in the event of a status challenge by HMRC.
Employment status expert Kate Cottrell tells us how the inaugural meeting of the IR35 Forum went, and what issues and challenges lie ahead.
The first meeting of the new IR35 Forum took place on 6th May 2011. The minutes of this inaugural gathering have been published online.
The Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, David Gauke MP, has confirmed the Government's Budget 2011 commitment to overhauling the way IR35 is administered.
An entertainment industry newspaper has reported that a number of leading actors who work via their own personal service companies have received backdated national insurance demands as the HMRC applies IR35 to the performance industry.
A tribunal has found in favour of a contractor who faced a 50k backdated tax bill had she been found to be a disguised employee as per the IR35 rules.
The Exchequer Secretary has acknowledged the role contractors play in the business community, and says that HMRC is committed to completely overhauling they way it administers IR35.
REC, the recruitment industry body, is to join the Government's IR35 forum, which will oversee HMRC's attempts to improve the way the legislation is administered.
Following the Chancellor's decision to maintain the IR35 status quo at the last Budget, we take a look back at how the intermediaries legislation came into being.
The PCG has been invited by the Government to join a new IR35 Forum, which will be established to help monitor and evaluate HMRC's administration of IR35.
The Chancellor has announced that IR35 is to remain in place following the 2011 Budget.
REC, the recruitment industry body, says that HMRC does not have the resources to devote to additional IR35 enforcement - one of the options provided by the Office of Tax Simplification last week.
Industry experts and interested parties have given their initial reactions to the IR35 alternatives proposed by the Office of Tax Simplification this week.
In its interim report, the OTS proposed three main alternatives to the current IR35 regime. What impact would each scenario have on the contracting industry?
The Office of Tax Simplification (OTS) has published its interim report into the way small businesses are taxed, which includes recommendations on how to deal with IR35.
The UK's leading freelancer organisation has called on the Government to suspend IR35 with a view to permanent abolition.
A report in The Telegraph today suggests that the Office of Tax Simplification (OTS) will highlight the difficulties of replacing IR35 with a workable alternative when it delivers its interim report into small business taxation tomorrow.
The vast majority of recruiters believe that IR35 is ineffective and ripe for reform, according to a survey carried out by the Recruitment and Employment Confederation
The Office of Tax Simplification has confirmed that it intends to publish its interim review of small business taxation (including IR35) on Thursday 10th March.
The Office of Tax Simplification has completed its extensive review of the UK's 1042 tax reliefs, and made recommendations on whether over 150 reliefs should be retained, simplified or scrapped altogether.
The Office of Tax Simplification has completed a series of events around the UK, which highlighted the difficulties faced by small businesses and contractors - including the impracticability of IR35.
A Tribunal has found in favour of IT contractor Mark Fitzpatrick, clearing him of using his limited company to avoid tax.
The chairman of the PCG has joined the committee of the OTS which has been tasked with reviewing IR35.
The Institute of Directors says that the Government must accept the results of the IR35 review when they appear, to prove that they are fully committed to simplifying the tax system.
The OTS says that it is making good progress on both the tax simplification and small business tax reviews, and has recruited a team of leading private sector figures, including IR35 status expert, Kate Cottrell.
The newly created Office of Tax Simplification (OTS) is to take onboard the results of a series of contractor polls and surveys, to help in its mission to review the way small businesses are taxed - including IR35.
During Treasury Question Time this week, David Gauke MP confirmed that the OTS intends to provide its interim findings on the review of IR35 in advance of the 2011 Budget.
Contractors can now access a free online employment status test which provides an IR35 status result in just ten minutes.
Kate Cottrell takes a look at the terms of reference for the long awaited review of IR35, and explains why IR35 cannot simply be reviewed in isolation.
In a recent interview, the new tax director of the Office of Tax Simplification, explains why IR35 can't simply be 'abolished' in isolation.
In light of the upcoming OTS review of IR35, we look at the factors which may influence the creation of any future legislation which may replace IR35.
The Sunday Times has revealed that HMRC's IT chief left his permanent role in June 2009, only to return as a contractor via his own limited company for the following three months.
Following the launch of the Office of Tax Simplification (OTS) this week, the new body has been tasked with reviewing IR35 as a priority.
With speculation rife about the future of IR35, a leading accountancy site has raised doubts over a newspaper claim that the coalition has promised to "abolish" the legislation.
PCG, the leading contractors' organisation, says that it welcomes "the clearest statement yet from the Coalition Government that IR35 is to be abolished."
In the Emergency Budget, George Osborne confirmed the coalition's pledge to review IR35 as part of a wider review of the way small businesses are taxed in general.
Given the news that the coalition plans to review IR35, could a simpler tax system actually be more restrictive to the self employed?
Analysis of the recent Novasoft Limited IR35 tribunal, in which a contractor beat HMRC against all odds.
The contracting industry has reacted with both joy and caution at the news that the new coalition government has announced its intention to review IR35.
The new coalition government has released a more comprehensive document outlining its programme for governing over the coming 5 years - including its approach to IR35.
Many contractors will be wondering how the new coalition government will act on IR35 over the coming months and years.
IT contractor, Novak Brajkovic, has won his appeal against an IR35 claim, which was initially triggered via his use of HMRC's own contract enquiry service!
A concise overview of the IR35 rules. How IR35 came into force, and what the implications are if you are caught.
As part of their pledge to review small business taxation should they win the general election, the Tories have singled out reform of the IR35 rules as a priority.
A brief overview of how 'control' is an important factor in determining the IR35 status of a contract.
The Right of Substitution is an important factor in IR35 / employment status cases, but how can it be used in reality? Why a RoS clause is useless unless it reflects the reality of the contractor's working practices.
If your IT contract work is caught by the IR35 rules, you will receive most of your income in the form of a deemed payment, net of a standard 5% allowance to cover administrative expenses.
A brief overview of what the 'mutuality of obligation' means in the context of determining the IR35 status of a contract.
According to a recent press report, the Conservatives are looking at making the taxation system fairer for the self-employed should they win the General Election.
A leading contractor accountancy firm has welcomed the recent 'fair and equitable' decision by the Employment Appeal Tribunal in the Alstom Transport vs. Tilson case, in which an independent contractor was deemed not to be an 'employee' after all.
IR35 may have been hibernating for the last few years, but leading tax experts are warning contractors to remain vigilant.
Leading tax expert, Nichola Ross Martin, notes that IR35 might suit the Government rather well, especially during hard times, and that the chances of the intermediaries legislation being repealed in the Pre-Budget Report are slim.
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.
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.
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.
If your contract falls outside the IR35 rules, it is important that you gather and keep supporting evidence to show that this is the case.
A contractor accountancy firm has launched a series of videos aimed at helping contractors understand exactly what IR35 is.
The Government has launched a new consultation which addresses the issue of false self employment in the construction industry. What this could mean for IR35 and professional contractors.
The subject of IR35 was raised again in the Commons last month, with a Government Minister refusing to provide details of all IR35 investigations launched over the past five years.
A future Tory Government would review IR35 with a view to amending or replacing it, according to a recent interview with a Shadow cabinet minister published this week.
Where do the Tories - traditionally seen as small business champions - stand on IR35?
Despite the pitiful annual tax take for the Treasury, IR35 has had a considerable cost on the contracting industry over the past decade.
Ten weeks after a Lib Dem MP called for IR35 to be abolished, 85 MPs have signed the Early Day Motion backing up the call.
The leading contractors' association has revealed that IR35 raises virtually nothing for the Treasury - yet it causes misery for thousands of small businesses who have to comply with the rules.
Kate Cottrell responds to recent calls for the abolition of IR35. Could something even worse be implemented in its place?
The PCG has called on the Chancellor to abolish IR35, and other barriers to contracting, in the forthcoming Budget.
A concise overview of the recent Dragonfly Consultancy IR35 case - and its importance to the future of IR35 status rulings.
Contractors have welcomed an Early Day Motion to remove barriers to business in light of the economic downturn and to abolish IR35 as soon as possible.
It is ten years to the day since the Government penned its now notorious 'IR35' press release from which the tax legislation takes its name. How the IR35 rules came into being.
The HMRC penalties regime from April 2009 could prove financially damaging to contractors who haven't taken 'reasonable care' in assessing their IR35 status.
A controversial IR35 case involving Larkstar Data Limited will be re-heard by the General Commissioners following orders from the High Court.
In light of the Dragonfly IR35 verdict, a leading IR35 status expert suggests that contractors should review their IR35 status and mitigate their exposure to risk.
A freelance site has uploaded a podcast which discusses the landmark Dragonfly IR35 case, and why contractors should ensure that their contracts reflect the reality of their true working practices.
Overview of IR35 compliance factors including the Right of Substitution, Control and Mutuality of Obligation. Does your contract fall within the IR35 rules?
The PCG has released a new edition of its IR35 Guide. Coming just months after a landmark IR35 court case, the group points out that it's still entirely possible to work outside IR35 if contractors take care.
Most contractors aren't making the effort to ensure that their contracts are IR35 compliant, putting them at risk from HMRC investigations, according to a new survey. In fact, most contractors have never had their contracts reviewed.
Although the current economic climate may bring extra work opportunities, professional interim managers have been urged by their representative body to look into the details of the recent Dragonfly IR35 judgement.
The director of Dragonfly Consultancy faces a huge tax bill after losing his landmark IR35 appeal at the High Court. What does the loss of this case mean for other IT contractors?
A recent survey suggests that most IT contractors have not sought a professional opinion of their IR35 status.
An event to help raise awareness of IR35 and the MSC legislation is taking place on 28th August in Aberdeen - aimed at engineering and IT contractors.
The key to determining if you are caught by the IR35 rules - are you deemed to be 'employed' (and therefore within IR35), or 'self-employed' (and therefore outside the rules)?
There is s significant difference in the tax treatment of IT contractors whose contracts fall either inside, or outside, the IR35 rules.
An IT Contractor, who was found to be liable for £27k in IR35 taxes, could have avoided such a fate if he had sought "sound business advice and professional support".
Which IR35 compliance factors are used to determine whether an IT contract falls under the IR35 rules - including the right of substitution, working practices, and financial risk.
The Conservatives are committed to abolishing IR35, according to their Competitive policy group. No statement has yet been made about the Managed Service Company legislation
Accountancy Age reports that The Treasury could be losing a billion pounds a year by not having a proper hold on IR35, mainly due to the use of composite companies.
A leading IT contractor accountant says that the current muddle over the status of managed service company schemes is causing considerable difficulties for contractors, in light of the IR35 legislation.
There are signs within the contracting community that IT contracts are being terminated early, because client HR and procurement departments are afraid of being deluged with claims for employment rights following the Cable & Wireless v Muscat case.
How to work out which expenses you can claim if your work is caught by IR35 - the 5% expenses allowance and how the deemed payment is calculated.
An overview of the HMRC's 'IR56' definitions of employment and self employment, which help determine if a contract is subject to the IR35 rules.
The Court of Appeal has ruled that a limited company contractor was, in fact, an 'employee' of his client, Cable & Wireless. However, this does not set a precedent for other IT contractors according to industry experts.
The Professional Contractors Group (PCG) is pressing the Government for details of the cost and efficiency of IR35 investigations carried out by HM Revenue & Customs.
A leading job board expects the IT contract market to remain strong over the next year, as the demand of skilled IT professionals continues to grow, despite fundamental problems with the economy as a whole.
Another survey points to the growth in demand for IT contractors with mobile (m-commerce) skills over the past year.
The latest quarterly survey of IT jobs posted on recruitment websites shows that although the demand for IT contractors continues to grow nationwide, a larger proportion of roles than ever are based in the South.
A new report shows that contractors working in mobile commerce roles, building tools for smartphones and tablet computers, are likely to be paid at least 20% more than contractors in more general e-commerce positions.
The latest JM Digital quarterly market report shows that the demand for digital IT contractor skills remains very high, with the financial sector keener than ever to recruit the finest talent.
The latest monthly Report on Jobs shows that the demand of permanent IT staff is rising in an otherwise declining jobs market. The demand for contract continued to rise in November, but at a much lower pace than in previous months.
The IT Job Board has released a new IT salary / contract rate monitor, which provides regional contract rate data, and the skills most in demand at any one time.
A specialist IT agency reveals the most advertised contract roles of the past year, and explains why the contracting market remains buoyant despite widespread economic uncertainty.
More investment banks have slashed contractor rates, bringing back memories of 2008-9, as the continuing financial crisis forces companies to take rapid action to cut costs.
The number of contract openings advertised over the past quarter is up almost 5%, with the demand for contractors outpacing the demand for permanent staff.
UBS is the latest bank to announce a series of job cuts, and contractors aren't immune according to The Register.
The market for financial services contractors looks set to grow strongly over the coming year, however the outlook for contractors in the public sector remains bleak.
The latest jobs market report from CWJobs and jobsadwatch.co.uk shows that the number of contract vacancies advertised during the second quarter of 2011 was up by over 3%.
Interim Managers are enjoying the first sustained improvement in market conditions since 2008, according to the latest Interim Management Survey findings.
The latest Parasol Insight Index shows that the average umbrella company contract rate has fallen over the past year, however the gender gap has grown, as has the pay gap between regions.
Two independent reports show that the demand for contractors working in the financial services arena continues to recover, and rates have risen accordingly.
The latest CWJobs quarterly update on the IT jobs market suggests that there has been a significant rise in IT contract vacancies during the first quarter of 2011.
Demand for IT talent has outgrown supply for the first time since late 2008, according to the latest e-skills market report.
A new report provides an interesting insight into the state of the interim management market in the UK.
Oil and gas contractors are set to enjoy a boom year in 2011, with the demand for skilled workers set to grow by up to 60%, according to leading recruitment sources.
The number of confirmed job offers made to financial services contractors rose slightly in February, but a sustained recovery would appear to be some way off yet.
The fourth annual survey of IT directors, by ReThink Recruitment, has identified staff retention as the leading concern for the year ahead.
The contract market in Scotland continues to improve according to the latest Bank of Scotland Report of Jobs
The first edition of the Parasol Insight Index suggests that a contract rate gender gap exists within the contracting industry as it does elsewhere in the economy.
The latest CWJobs / JobsAdsWatch survey of the IT employment market shows that while the demand for permanent IT staff continues to grow strongly, the contract job market is growing at a much slower pace.
A contract market report suggests that the number of opportunities available for contractors in financial services dropped by a massive 79% in January.
The interim management market has experienced a 8% over the past six months, following a marked drop in demand from the public sector. On the upside, average daily interim manager rates have risen over the same period.
A new trend survey of 1000 small business owners has revealed the extent to which on-demand resourcing and skills supplied by freelancers are helping the UK's estimated 4.8 million SMEs recover from the recession.
The outlook for IT contractors within the financial services industry could remain uncertain during early 2011.
Although the number of accountancy contractors working in the private sector has dropped significantly over the past year, the demand for their skills in the private sector has led to growing confidence within the sector.
The latest quarterly survey of the IT jobs market by Salary Services Ltd shows that the IT contract market has recovered strongly this year.
The October Monster Employment index has reported a strong rise in online IT job availability, following six months of relatively static growth.
After an encouraging first half of the year, the demand for financial sector contractors has declined significantly, with one industry expert even suggesting the possibility of going permanent until market conditions improve.
In one of the largest single contractor headcount culls ever, Lloyds Banking Group has announced plans to shed almost 1,000 IT contractors from its workforce.
A contractor poll suggests that the financial sector has rebounded significantly, as banks and other institutions revive projects which were put on hold as a result of the credit crunch.
The latest Report on Jobs for August shows that both permanent and contract appointments rose, but at the slowest rate for 10 months.
RBS is to cut a further 1000 IT jobs, taking the total number of job losses at the bank to over 21,000 since 2009.
Financial sector recruitment is continuing to grow, according to a recent report, although the summer has seen a slip in offers made to IT contractors within the sector.
A specialist recruitment agency has reported a sharp rise in the number of registered IT jobs during the second quarter of 2010.
The latest statistics published by Salary Services suggest that after 2 dreadful years, the contract market is now rebounding.
Contract offers in the financial sector jumped by over 300% from May to June, suggesting that investment banks may be preparing for a significant upturn.
The latest Bank of Scotland 'Report on Jobs' suggests that the contract market north of the border is continuing to strengthen, albeit at a slower pace than earlier in the year.
New research shows that financial services contractors are suffering from a lack of new projects - with demand for their services down by over 50% since May 2009.
New research suggests that long term contractor unemployment has dropped by one third, and contractor confidence is growing, as investment in new IT projects gathers pace.
A recruitment group says that investment banks may face a "brain drain" of IT contractors following high demand for skills in the energy sector. Business analysts in the sector have seen rates increase by 40% since 2008.
A leading IT job site has seen a 54% increase in the number of contract roles advertised during the first quarter of 2010, suggesting that the worst may be over for the contract market.
New figures show that IT contractors in the financial services sector have enjoyed something of a revival in fortunes, with the number of contract jobs offers up 57% on the same period in 2009.
The results of Skillfair's 5th annual rate survey has been released, showing that consultants are overwhelmingly optimistic about the future, despite a short-term dip in rates.
The decline in the market for interim management skills appears to be over, according to a recent snapshot of 11,000 interim mangers.
The December 2009 'Report on Jobs' shows a significant improvement in both the permanent and contract jobs markets, with the sharpest growth figures since 2007.
The number of financial services job offers has risen this month, raising hopes of a lasting economic recovery. However, the large number of applicants has forced down contract daily rates.
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.
The latest research by contractor services provider, giant group, provides further evidence that confidence is beginning to return to the contracting market.
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.
Demand for IT contractors, having declined for over 6 quarters, appears to have stabilised, with advertised roles on the increase and positive noises being made by some leading recruitment agencies.
The latest quarterly SSL/JobAdsWatch report shows that the demand for IT contractors has fallen for the sixth successive quarter, but the pace of decline has slowed.
SThree has announced its latest figures, with IT contractor numbers down over 21% since this time last year.
A leading report shows that UK job market conditions continued to worsen in June, but the pace of decline has slowed rapidly. Have we hit the bottom of the slump?
Shell has told its contractors that they must accept a 12% contract rate cut or face losing their jobs.
IT contractor rates at Lloyds Banking Group have been slashed by 15%. Simultaneously, the bank has offshored record number of jobs to India.
New figures suggest that the worst may be over for IT contractors in the financial sector, although a wider recovery may be some way off.
Contractors at Fujitsu are the latest to be told to accept a 15% rate cut.
We look at how the demand for IT contractor developers has changed over the past few months.
The number of IT contracts advertised has fallen by a third over the previous quarter, and by a shocking 62% since the same period last year.
BT is to cut contractor rates by up to 30% following poor results from its IT services division.
A top 20 agency reports that clients are exerting pressure on contract rates due to the poor economic environment.
Leading recruitment agency, Robert Walters, has published its latest salary survey which suggests that the demand for high quality contractors may actually increase in 2009.
Over 1000 permanent staff and 590 contractors are to be axed from Norwich Union Life over the coming months as another company cut costs in the face of the economic downturn.
Following on from cuts at many of the UK's largest companies, now Leeds City Council has decided to slash its IT contractor rates.
Despite the economic slowdown, a new survey suggests that self-employed consultants are actually commanding higher daily rates than they did last year.
Just months after announcing solid results for 2008, one of the leading contractor recruitment agencies - SThree - has reported a sharp drop in contractor numbers over the past quarter.
Microsoft's US contractors are the latest to feel the pinch as they have their contract rates cut by 10%.
BP is the latest company to tell its IT contractors to accept an across-the-board rate cut, or find themselves alternative work.
Capgemini is the latest firm to tell its contractors to take a 15% rate cut or face the chop - this will affect contractors on its 'Aspire' contract with HMRC.
The latest SSL survey shows that the decline in advertised IT jobs is approaching levels last seen 18 years ago. IT contractor demand is down by nearly 27% on the previous quarter.
New survey results show that project and programme managers are pessimistic about the year ahead, with many prepared to become permies or even leave the profession in 2009.
The latest "Report on Jobs" shows that the demand for permanent and contract staff has severely declined over the past few months.
Statistics released by a pre-employment screening firm show that job offers for financial services IT contractors dropped by a massive 75% towards the end of 2008.
Some recent feedback from our visitors about the current state of the IT contracting market.
There is growing evidence that average contract rates have fallen dramatically over the past quarter, with more contractors on the bench and those in contract often asked to take a mandatory rate cut.
Research carried out by a pre-employment screening company shows that the demand for IT contractors in the financial services industry fell by nearly half during October.
JP Morgan joins a host of other banks and slashes its contractor rates by 15%.
With the media reporting 24/7 doom and gloom on the UK's economic prospects, is there any evidence that rates have started to drop within the contracting industry?
Following recent IT contractor rate cuts, 5% of the permanent IT staff at HBOS are to be culled as part of a "streamlining" process.
IT Contractors at two more major banks are being subjected to across the board rate cuts, as the banking downturn continues.
A guide to IT contract rates - what hourly rate can you expect as an IT Contractor, and key rate resources.
According to an interim management recruitment specialist, the winners in the credit crunch are likely to be temporary staff, contractors and interims as companies try to avoid adding permanent employeers to the payroll.
A recent poll of engineering contractors reveals that 63% believe their contract rates will rise over the next year, despite the effects of the predicted economic downturn on other sectors of the economy.
Leading IT contractor recruiter, Parity, has predicted a promising 2008 for public sector IT, despite the so-called "credit crunch".
According to a leading tech website, a major city bank has asked its IT contractors to take a 10% rate cut or a quick exit from the company. Another bank imposes an 11% cut on its contractor workforce.
We recently received an email from a permie who is considering going contracting. He was concerned about the state of the IT Contracting market and if he should leave his current job before searching for contracts.
IT contract rates remained static during the final quarter of 2007, although there were apparent changes within regions and skill-sets
A recent poll suggests that the "credit crunch" has made IT contractors a less attractive option than permies, as IT chiefs are forced to reign back on spending.
Hourly rates for engineering contractors are expected to rise in 2008 due to the buoyant demand for their skills, according to a recent poll.
New research suggests that the number of IT Contractors 'on the bench' has begun to rise as the 'credit crunch' begins to hit home, but contractor unemployment remains very low.
Fears of an economic downturn are forcing top project managers in the digital, telecoms and media industry to cut their contract rates, according to new research.
Despite the media frenzy following the "credit crunch", IT contractors working in the financial services sector have seen an 11% rise in contract rates over the past six months.
Most IT Contractors expect to see their rates rise by 5-10% over the coming year, according to new research.
SAP skills look set to be the most in demand in 2008, according to a leading IT contract recruitment site.
The findings from the latest SkillsMarket/ATSCo iProfile Skills Survey showed a continuing increase in the reported hourly rates of IT contractors
More than half of the UK’s IT contractors expect an inflation-busting rate hike of at least ten cent in 2007
A surge in demand for interim IT Directors, as organisations kick-start new IT projects, has pushed pay up 34% over the past year to £80 per hour, according to new research.
The share of IT contractors working on public sector IT projects has declined for the first time in three years, according to a new report.
IT Contract vacancies were up by 5.4% during the first quarter of 2006. With the exception of the last quarter 2005 contract vacancies have been rising each quarter for over three years.
Freelance IT contractors working in the City have reached the psychologically significant 50GBP per hour pay barrier for the first time since the September 11 2001 terrorist attacks.
The issue of splitting limited company shares with a spouse or partner has been the subject of much confusion and debate over the past few years.
If you are considering closing down the company you have used for contracting, we look at how any remaining profits can be extracted in a tax efficient way.
One of the most commonly asked questions asked by limited company contractors is what salary should you pay yourself?
One of the most frequently asked questions by umbrella company contractors is how much income they will receive after all deductions have been made?
Last month, HMRC published data which showed that there had been a startling drop in IR35 status enquiries in recent years. With this in mind, why should contractors bother taking out contract reviews and IR35 insurance protection?
An explanation of the 24 month rule with respect to contractor travel and subsistence expense claims.
Why compliance with IR35 involves a lot more preparation than simply downloading an IR35 contract from the internet.
What is income protection insurance?, and would a contractor be better off taking out a policy via their own limited company, or on an individual basis?
Do you need to take out contractor PI insurance policy?, and how to make sure you are adequately covered.
The most popular way to start up in business in the UK is as a sole trader. So why do IT contractors avoid this route, and work via their own limited companies or via an umbrella company scheme?
David Houston explains why switching between an umbrella and a limited company should be a fairly straightforward process,
Limited company contractors, who fall outside IR35, draw income in the form of salary and dividends. How do you work out your tax liability on the dividends you declare?
From April 2008, since the introduction of an initial wave of Companies Act 2006 legislation, limited companies no longer have to appoint a company secretary.
How do umbrella schemes charge for their services?, and are there any things you should look out for when comparing the fees charged by different umbrella companies?
What is a PAYE umbrella company?, how do they operate?, and further information on selecting the right scheme for your individual needs.
When setting up as a limited company contractor, what should you look out for when choosing a company name?
At what stage do limited company contractors have to register for VAT?
A brief overview of sole trading, and given how easy it is to set up, why don't IT contractors operate as sole traders?
Umbrella companies use a variety of slogans to advertise their services, and to differentiate themselves in a very competitive market. But do any of these claims mean anything?
A reader asks if he needs to inform the authorities if he wants to pay his wife a small salary for 'administrative' work done for his company.
How contractors should account for VAT on their invoices before a VAT registration number has been issued.
Why contractors should not be complacent over IR35, despite the current OTS review.
What should contractors do if they have made an error on a previously submitted VAT return?
Are limited company contractors generally better off registering for the Flat Rate VAT scheme, or the standard VAT scheme?
How much do contractor accountants charge, and what other factors you should consider before signing up?
Why contractors are advised against using HMRC's own IR35 contract review service.
We look at what factors would typically trigger an HMRC investigation into a contractor's tax affairs.
There are various ways contractors can set up their own limited companies; via an accountant (a popular way), via a company formations agent, or direct with Companies House.
If you have set up a limited company for your contracting business, how do you register to pay corporation tax?
How does BN66 prevent double taxation treaty abuse, and how does it affect contractors who have used offshore tax avoidance schemes in the past?
The expenses you are allowed to claim through your limited company are dependent on the IR35 status of your contract.
When you sign up to a new contractor accountant, one of the first things you'll be asked to do is to authorise the accountant to act on your behalf with HMRC.
Can contractors claim for any expenses incurred before they formed their limited companies?
HMRC have asked us to remind our visitors that VAT will shortly be moving online, so paper based filing will soon become a thing of the past.
Some umbrella companies appear to claim they can save contractors more tax than others. Why such claims should be treated with caution.
How to identify a Managed Service Company provider, and ensure that you are not caught by the MSC rules.
If you are a limited company contractor, how do you extract dividend income from your company?
If you have set up a new limited company for your contracting business, when do you have to submit your company accounts to Companies House?
What events might lead to an 'IR35 investigation', and how should IT contractors protect themselves against such an eventuality.
How to work out what hourly rate you need to achieve in order to secure your target annual gross income.
The steps you must follow if you want to contract via your own limited company.
The tax director of the OTS says that income shifting may come into the spotlight again, as the tax simplification body reviews all aspects of small business taxation.
According to a contractor news site, The Treasury is working to revive its proposals on income shifting, which would limit the ability for small businesses to share dividend income among spouses or partners.
The online petition against income shifting (or the "family business tax") has closed, having collected over 7,500 signatures.
Although Alistair Darling didn't even mention income shifting in his Budget speech today, hidden away in a Treasury press release comes the news that the proposed income shifting legislation will be postponed until 2009.
Following many months of opposition to the Government's controversial "income shifting" proposals, the Treasury is under great pressure to bin the legislation.
There is mounting pressure on the Treasury to backtrack on its controversial plans to ramp up tax on family firms in the recently announced income shifting proposals.
We take a look at how the proposed income shifting legislation would impact IT Contractors.
The PCG has set up a site dedicated to the campaign against the Government's proposed "income shifting" measures.
The IoD says that the Government's proposed income shifting legislation is technically defective and hopeless.
Contractors are being urged to protest against the so-called income shifting legislation by signing a petition on the No.10 website.
How much more tax will you pay if you are caught by the new income shifting legislation?
The CIOT says it has grave concerns about the implications of the Government's proposed "income splitting" legislation.
The Government today published a consultation document on 'income shifting' which aims at clamping down on business income received by family members.
Taxpayers are facing a 500k bill after HMRC failed in its quest to pursue a family business through the courts over a disputed 7k tax bill - the Arctic Systems case.
Hidden away in the Pre-Budget Report 2007 are signs that the Government plans to take action on "income splitting" following HRMC's defeat in the Arctic Systems "husband and wife" tax case.
Following last week's verdict in the Arctic Systems family tax case, the Government announced its intention to introduce new legislation aimed at clamping down on family owned companies. What could this mean for IT Contractors?
The House of Lords have ruled in favour of Arctic Systems in a landmark small business taxation case which could have forced many IT contractors to pay huge tax liabilities.
The verdict in the House of Lords Arctic Systems case is due to be delivered on Wednesday July 25th.
A landmark Section 660 family tax hearing began today in the House of Lords. This will be the final stage in the landmark case which will have implications for hundreds of thousands of family businesses.
The Professional Contractors Group has announced that the Arctic Systems ("Section 660") case is scheduled to be heard by the House of Lords in June 2007.
The key Arctic Systems Section 660 tax hearing which will help clarify how the Inland Revenue taxes husband and wife businesses will not be heard until 2007, according to the Professional Contractors Group.
Information on the Section 660 (S660) rules which were aimed at legislating dividend payments for 'husband and wife' businesses in the UK.
The UK's key tax bodies have issued a guidance note to help with self assessment, in light of the the recent Arctic Systems Section 660 appeal decision (otherwise known as the "married couples business tax")
The Inland Revenue have announced its decision to appeal against the Section 660 Arctic Systems ruling by attempting to appeal to the House of Lords.
Geoff Jones of Arctic Systems has won his landmark Section 660 appeal case - in a victory for the UK's family-run small businesses.
With dozens of applicants applying for many IT contract roles, networking has never been more important for career contractors.
How to put together an impressive contractor CV, and why you should take time to tailor your CV to each role you apply for.
Everybody knows how important it is to dress smartly when you are meeting a client for the first time or attending an interview, but could the colour of your clothes really give you the edge?
Why it is important to upgrade your skills when competition for the best IT contracts is tough.
Having a business website has a number of benefits for contractors, and given the low cost of entry, there isn't really an excuse not to have one these days.
Some important questions you should ask recruitment agencies when applying for contractor roles.
Some handy tips for contractors on how to deal with recruitment agents, and how to spot some of the classic tricks of the hiring game.
If you are about to start a new contract, or if you're coming up for renewal, these tips may come in handy to help you maximise your earning potential, while keeping on the right side of your agent and end-client.
A new report highlights the continuing problems contractors face in applying for security cleared roles, and suggests how the process could be improved.
Here are 8 key factors for successful interim managers, provided by Dr Jaap Schaveling.
Recruiters of IT contractors need to recruit people who can join a project and get on with the job rapidly. Accordingly, contractor CVs need to be to-the-point and accessible.
The Bribery Act 2010 will come into force on 1st July 2011. Although reasonable corporate hospitality will be excluded from the regulations, could referral fees paid by service providers to recruitment agents be caught by the new rules?
A leading job board has revealed the main CV mistakes made by IT professionals, and suggests that augmented reality (AR) CVs may help contractors show off their skills more favourably when applying for new roles.
Why creating a professional image for yourself is essential to a successful contracting career, and how to impress potential clients.
For many contractors, the very thought of having to take a permanent role again is usually enough encouragement to try extra hard to find work when out of contract. But what do you do when the contract market for your skills has dried up?
A list of typical scenarios you might encounter when starting a new contract - and how best to deal with them. From the project manager on a power trip, to grievances over contractors' usage of the staff canteen.
Why LinkedIn can benefit IT contractors and provide a low-maintenance way of keeping potential sources of contract work warm.
We look at how recruitment agencies operate, from dealing with an end client's resource specification, to interviewing candidates and finally hiring IT contractors.
We look at how contractor timesheets are recorded, how your recruitment agency is invoiced, and how the payment process works for both limited and umbrella company contractors.
Negotiating your contract rate is a vital stage in your life as an IT contractor. In this guide, we look at the main factors which determine your bargaining power at any given time.
We look at the complex subject of agency terms and conditions, with the help of employment status expert Kate Cottrell.
How to write the perfect CV. 5 Top tips for penning the perfect IT contractor CV, and a suggested CV layout for freelancers
A leading accountancy firm provides an overview of the tax implications for UK contractors who accept contract work overseas.
Why do so many contractors work via recruitment agencies in the UK, and what are the benefits of contracting via an agency?
With competition for contract roles tougher than ever, what can you do to improve your chances during the interview process?
If you have set up a website for your contracting business, how do you achieve good rankings for your pages on Google?
When you've agreed to a maximum 8 hour working day for a fixed daily rate and hirers still expect you to work additional hours, should you be paid for these or not?
When applying for work via recruiters, contractors are urged to find out who they're dealing before granting representation rights, or they could miss out on good contract opportunities.
The main factors which will affect the rates you can command as an IT contractor. From skills and experience, to economic conditions, agency commissions, and your company structure.
A BBC Scotland investigation has highlighted some of the naughty things some recruitment agencies get up to.
Now that the economic outlook has turned bleaker, what should IT contractors do to prepare themselves to weather the storm?
What is security clearance, and why is it required for certain Government IT contract roles?
How IT contractors can make the most out of their relationships with recruitment agencies.
IT contractor's guide to preparing an invoice for your agency / client. What to include on the invoice, plus a free sample invoice template.
The importance of the CV has grown as competition for roles has increased due to the worsening jobs market.
How not to write a decent IT contractor CV - bad layout, content and presentation will ensure you will not be called up for an interview!
If you are seeking longevity in the contracting world, there are several attributes and skills that you will need to have, or acquire, to ensure future success.
Once you've made the decision to become a contractor, the next step is to find your first contract. You'll need to market yourself to potential clients.
The interview is a crucial step in your quest for that next IT contract and every care should be made to ensure that you impress.
Once you have been in a contract for a while, you may be offered a IT contract extension. How to tell if this is a good time to negotiate a contract rate increase.
Some irreverent tips to help new IT contractors get on with their permanent colleagues.
The postponed implementation of the Agency Workers Directive should be used by the Government to sort out its contradictory approach to contractors and agencies according to a leading IT Contractor Accountant.
The Government look set to fail in its resistance to the EU Agency Workers Directive, which could cost 250,000 private sector jobs in the UK if it goes ahead.
A directory of some of the leading IT contractor umbrella companies in the UK. How to choose an umbrella company.
Directory of IT contractor accountants - links to some of the leading specialist accountant sites for IT contractors.
Links to IT Contractor service providers - company formation, insurance, financial services, legal, etc.
Links to the major IT contract job boards and career advice sites.
Providers of umbrella company services for IT contractors, in particular PAYE umbrella schemes.
Links to IT Contractor, freelancer and handy small business related sites.
A leading social media site has compiled a list of 85 essential online resources for freelancers and contractors - including invoicing, expense, billing and project management tools.
We've teamed up with a leading debt recovery agency to offer preferential rates to IT contractors who have encountered late payment problems.
A survey of recruiters suggests that almost 30% of organisations may terminate contract and temp roles prematurely, as a result of the Agency Workers Regulations.
A recruitment body says that the recently implemented Agency Workers Regulations (AWR) appear to be having a limited impact on the professional contract market.
The ambiguous nature of the Government guidance to the AWR has resulted in confusion over whether or not limited company contractors are affected by the new rules.
A contractor accountant has warned end users and agencies who influence contractors to work via limited companies in order to avoid the Agency Workers Regulations that they may fall foul of the debt transfer rules.
Just as people were finally getting used to dealing with the complexities of IR35, the introduction of the AWR on 1st October provided another ambiguous set of rules for the contracting industry to get used to.
An in-depth guide to the most popular post-AWR umbrella company solutions, and how to ensure that an umbrella company scheme complies with the new rules.
The Agency Workers Regulations become law on 1st October 2011. Given the complexity of the new rules, we have listed some of the most useful AWR resources available on the web.
With just a few days to go before the Agency Workers Regulations become law on October 1st, businesses are being warned that they face large fines if they break the new rules.
A new survey suggests that, with less than one month to go before the AWR become law, an incredible 88% of contractors working via agencies have not even been told about the implications of the new rules by their recruiters.
The contracting industry has reacted to a newspaper report that David Cameron may seek to review the implementation of the Agency Workers Regulations.
An article in The Telegraph today suggests that David Cameron is increasingly concerned about the impact the Agency Workers Regulations could have on the fragile economic recovery.
The UK's biggest umbrella company, Parasol, has announced that it is to offer several different solutions for contractors and agencies when the Agency Workers Regulations become law on 1st October 2011.
The majority of employers are either unaware of the AWR, or undecided about the changes they were going to make to their workforces ahead of the October 1st implementation date.
The Government has made some amendments to the Agency Workers Regulations (AWR), to provide clarity over the definition of agency workers, when payment between assignments starts, and how agencies can avoid liability for equal treatment claims.
A report in the Sunday Telegraph this week claims that businesses are set to cut down on their use of temporary workers when the Agency Workers Regulations become law in October 2011; a view rejected by a leading recruitment body.
The PCG has released an informative guide to the Agency Workers Regulations, aimed at service providers who work with freelancers.
With just a few months to go before the Agency Workers Regulations are implemented in October, Frances Lewis from Osborne Clarke explains why umbrella companies should take care before relying on the 'Swedish Derogation' approach.
The FCSA has warned the industry that the implementation of the Agency Workers Regulations in October 2011 will be painful, and identifies 3 ways forward for professional contractors.
We look at how the AWR will affect contractors, and how the full employment model should help robust umbrella companies comply with the new rules.
The aim of the AWR is to provide agency workers with the same basic rights as permanent employees after they complete 12 weeks on a qualifying assignment. We look at what the regulations contain, and who will be affected.
The final Agency Workers Regulation guidance for employers and recruiters states that limited company contractors should be excluded if they are genuinely in business on their own account.
With the Agency Workers Regulations (AWR) due to go live in October 2011, umbrella companies are planning in advance to minimise the impact on contractors and end-clients. We look at the 'Swedish derogation model' as a potential solution.
Draft Agency Workers Regulations guidance has been released for comment. Limited contractors who are in business on their own account should not be affected by the new rules, but umbrella contractors will.
Limited companies are once again in favour as a result of umbrella arrangements being caught by the new Agency Workers Regulations, says a leading contractor accountant.
Following the Government's announcement that the Agency Workers Regulations (AWR) are to go ahead in October 2011 unaltered, the PCG has called for clarity and fairness for contractors.
The Agency Workers Regulations will come into force in October 2011 unamended, giving agency workers similar rights to permanent staff after 12 weeks on the job.
A specialist accountancy firm has supported calls for the Government to review the controversial Agency Workers Regulations.
The FCSA says that a lack of clarity over the Agency Workers Regulations could undermine the UK's contractor workforce, which in turn could harm the country's recovery from the recession.
A new online knowledge bank has been launched to help the contracting industry get to grips with the Agency Workers Directive, which is due to be implemented in October 2011.
The Service Providers Association has called on the government to better differentiate between the constituent populations of the professional freelance workforce in its application of the AWD legislation.
Mark Hammerton, partner at Eversheds, provides a helpful insight to some of the key areas surrounding the final Regulations
The recruitment industry has welcomed the delay in the implementation of the Agency Workers Directive. The final regulations for the UK implementation of the EU Agency Workers Directive rules were laid before Parliament yesterday.
The Government has confirmed that contractors will still be able to opt out of the recruitment agency Conduct of Employment Agencies Regulations.
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.
The Government has confirmed that the implementation of the Agency Workers Directive (AWD) will be delayed until late 2011.
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Given that all qualified accountants should be able to keep the books of your average limited company contractor, why do most contractors hire specialist accountancy firms?
Most contractor accountancy firms have embraced web-based technology to some degree, but what benefits can you gain from using online accounting software?
To help you compare accountants effectively, try this simple checklist which you can use when talking to prospective accountants.
Most accountants can set up a limited company on your behalf, either for free if you're appointing them as your accountant, or for a fixed fee. How much can you expect to pay for this initial service?
When you set up in business as a limited company contractor, do you have to appoint an accountant? What are the benefits?
When you join a new contractor accountant, with incomplete accounting records in tow, should the new provider charge you to bring them up-to-date?
When choosing a contractor accountant, you need to be sure that the accountant you sign up with is professionally qualified to do the job, and that safeguards are in place just in case something goes wrong.
For limited company contractors, the professional person you are most likely to seek advice from is your accountant. We look at the five things you want to avoid when choosing a contractor accountancy firm.
If you need to change accountancy providers for whatever reasons, we look at the steps you should take to ensure the handover goes smoothly.
In recent years, an increasing number of contractor accountancy providers have marketed themselves as 'IR35 accountants'. Have these firms suddenly been gifted a silver bullet against IR35, or is this just a marketing phrase?
You may have seen the term mentioned on contractor accountants'; websites or literature, but what does it actually mean to be a 'PCG accredited accountant'
Selecting the right contractor accountant to use is an essential part of the process of starting out in the contracting world. Here are some top tips.
If you are a limited company contractor, you will need to hire a specialist accountant to handle your affairs. What can you expect them to provide for their monthly fee?
How doing what you love (contracting), and letting the experts look after the things you hate (your accounts) can make all the difference to a successful business
A leading contractor accountant looks at the rise in illegal dividends reported in recent months, and how limited company contractors should take care when making dividend declarations
What should limited company contractors typically expect their accountants to do?
As more and more contractors turn to web-based software to manage their accounts, we look at things to consider when choosing an online accountancy provider.
A leading IT contractor accountancy firm tells us how accounting practices have been forced to change in the face of shifting tax legislation.
A leading contractor accountant warns IT contractors to beware service companies that over-promise and under-deliver.