Contractors typically work through limited companies, or use umbrella company schemes. This section explains how umbrella companies work, and should you work via a limited company or umbrella?

Read our 15 point guide to help you choose an umbrella company and find out what expenses you can claim.

Also read our article on umbrella company fees, and browse our growing list of contractor umbrella companies.

Contractor Umbrella Company Articles

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.
(Jul 2, 2009 in Umbrella Company )

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 the typical fees charged by umbrella schemes, and why you should look at additional factors before signing up.
(Jun 16, 2009 in Umbrella Company )

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.
(Jun 1, 2009 in Umbrella Company )

How to choose the best umbrella company - 15 things to look out for
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 choose the best scheme for your needs.
(May 6, 2009 in Umbrella Company )

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 in Umbrella Company )

Contractor umbrella companies - Directory
A directory of some of the leading IT contractor umbrella companies in the UK. How to choose an umbrella company.
(Apr 1, 2009 in Umbrella Company )

How to join a contractor umbrella company scheme
We look at the series of steps you will need to take when joining a contractor umbrella scheme.
(Mar 23, 2009 in Umbrella Company )

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, 2009 in Umbrella Company )

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 in Umbrella Company )

Contractor group warns over umbrella company expenses
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.
(Oct 9, 2008 in Umbrella Company )

Contractor expenses - could the Government be about to score an own goal?
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.
(Aug 7, 2008 in Umbrella Company )

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 in Umbrella Company )

Accountant warns over umbrella company expenses
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.
(Jul 29, 2008 in Umbrella Company )

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 in Umbrella Company )

Umbrella company travel expenses - HMRC consultation begins
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.
(Jul 23, 2008 in Umbrella Company )

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 in Umbrella Company )

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 in Umbrella Company )

IT Contractor umbrella company expenses claim tips
IT Contractors a can alleviate financial stresses by maximising their income and making the most of their work expenses, advises a contractor umbrella provider.
(Feb 26, 2008 in Umbrella Company )

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 in Umbrella Company )

HMRC cracks down on contractor umbrella scheme dispensations
HMRC have waged war on contractor umbrella companies who have been abusing dispensations.
(Feb 14, 2008 in Umbrella Company )

Contractor Umbrella receives Sunday Times award
An IT Contractor Umbrella Company has been ranked in the Sunday Times Top 100 List for sales growth.
(Dec 3, 2007 in Umbrella Company )

How to compare contractor umbrella companies
As a new contractor 'umbrella supermarket' comparison site launches, we look at how to choose the best umbrella company for your needs.
(Nov 23, 2007 in Umbrella Company )

Contractor umbrella company wins industry award
One of the UK's leading contractor umbrella companies has won a major industry acolade.
(Nov 22, 2007 in Umbrella Company )

IT contractors - limited or umbrella company?
We look at the two main business structures IT contractors use - setting up their own limited company, or using a contractor umbrella company.
(Jun 19, 2007 in Umbrella Company )



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