IT Contractor Umbrella Company Advice

Directory of umbrella companies

Our directory of some of the leading umbrella providers in the UK.

Contracting via an umbrella company - advantages and disadvantages

We look at the pros and cons of contracting via an umbrella company - seen by many as the "hassle free" solution.

(Apr 1, 2012)

How does a PAYE umbrella company work?

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.

(Feb 20, 2012)

How to join an umbrella company scheme

We look at the series of steps you will need to take when joining a contractor umbrella scheme.

(Sep 15, 2011)

How does IR35 affect umbrella company contractors?

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.

(Sep 6, 2011)

How to change umbrella companies

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.

(Jun 20, 2011)

Top tips for choosing a contractor service provider

Top tips on what to look for in a good contractor service provider - both umbrella companies and accountants, from FCSA Chairman Stuart Davis.

(Jun 1, 2011)

How contractor umbrella companies operate

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.

(Apr 6, 2011)

Umbrella company contractor expenses

One of the first things umbrella contractors ask is - what can they claim for on expenses? The truth and 'mistruths' about reclaiming contractor expenses.

(Mar 16, 2011)

What are BACS, CHAPS and FPS umbrella company payments?

If you are contracting via an umbrella company, you will be paid either by BACS, CHAPS, or FPS. So what do these acronyms mean?

(Jan 17, 2011)

How to compare umbrella companies - 15 tips

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.

(Nov 2, 2010)

Questions you need to ask an umbrella scheme provider

Before you sign up to a contractor umbrella service, there are a number of questions you should ask prospective scheme providers.

(Oct 28, 2010)

Umbrella company National Minimum Wage loophole to be closed

The Government is to amend legislation to prevent some umbrella companies from exploiting National Minimum Wage rules.

(Aug 4, 2010)

PAYE umbrella companies - how net pay is calculated

We look at how net pay is calculated for PAYE umbrella company employees, following deductions for income tax, national insurance, and expenses.

(Feb 25, 2010)

Umbrella companies and retaining contractors' funds

What risks do contractors take by letting their service providers keep funds aside to meet future tax liabilities?

(Feb 18, 2010)

The main financial risks faced by umbrella companies

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.

(Feb 18, 2010)

Compare umbrella companies - umbrella company reviews

With competition between umbrella schemes stronger then ever, can online umbrella comparison services help contractors choose a suitable provider?

(Jan 4, 2010)

Comparing umbrella company charges - gross and net of tax

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.

(Oct 11, 2009)

How can I find umbrella company reviews?

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?

(Sep 25, 2009)

Which is the best umbrella company for you to use?

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.

(Sep 17, 2009)

HMRC continues to investigate umbrella companies over expenses dispensations

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'.

(Aug 7, 2009)

Contractor umbrella company fees - how much to pay

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.

(Jun 16, 2009)

New subsistence rates for umbrella company contractors

HMRC has announced new 'benchmark scale rates' for subsistence expense claims from employees who travel away from their normal workplace.

(Apr 15, 2009)

Contractor umbrella companies and expenses dispensations

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.

(Feb 2, 2009)

Umbrella company travel expenses - SPA to take key role

The Service Providers Association intends to take a key role in the forthcoming consultation on travel expenses for umbrella company contractors.

(Aug 4, 2008)

Further reaction to HMRC umbrella travel expenses consultation

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

(Jul 23, 2008)

Some contractor umbrella companies misleading over expense dispensations

Contractor umbrella company operators who imply they can secure higher than normal expense dispensations are misleading contractors, says a industry expert.

(Apr 23, 2008)

What is an IT contractor umbrella company?

What are contractor umbrella companies, how they operate, and how to go about choosing a reputable umbrella company.

(Apr 2, 2008)

PCG - cautious welcome to HMRC rogue umbrella company clampdown

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.

(Feb 19, 2008)

HMRC cracks down on contractor umbrella scheme dispensations

HMRC have waged war on contractor umbrella companies who have been abusing dispensations.

(Feb 14, 2008)

Contractor umbrella company wins industry award

One of the UK's leading contractor umbrella companies has won a major industry acolade.

(Nov 22, 2007)