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News and resources for IT Contractors

  • Limited Company
    • Contracting via a limited company – advantages and disadvantages
    • How to set up a limited company as a contractor – comprehensive guide
    • Limited or umbrella company – which is best for contractors?
  • Umbrella Company
    • How to compare umbrella companies: 20 things to consider
    • Contractor umbrella company fees – how much do they charge?
    • How can you find umbrella company reviews?
    • Umbrella Company Directory
    • Umbrella Company Calculator – calculate your net pay (2025/26)
  • IR35
    • IR35 and Off-Payroll explained – a simple beginner’s guide
    • When was IR35 introduced? Timeline from 1999 to 2023
    • Download free IR35 contract templates and example clauses
    • Guide to IR35 contract review services for IT contractors
  • Accounting
    • Contractor accountants – what to look out for
    • Do you have to appoint an accountant for your limited company?
    • Your company annual accounts – the basics, and filing deadlines
    • Top 10 Contractor Accountants (2025)
  • Tax
    • What is the most tax-efficient director’s salary in 2025/26?
    • Corporation tax – guide for limited company contractors
    • Limited company tax basics for contractors
    • What are limited company dividends and how are they taxed?
  • Expenses
  • Insurance
    • Business insurance – what’s mandatory?
    • Professional Indemnity
    • Life Insurance
    • Income Protection
    • Private Medical Cover
    • Critical Illness Cover
  • Work
  • Finances
    • Contractor Pensions
    • What is a SIPP?
    • Contractor Mortgages
    • Business Banking
umbrella company uk for contractors

Posts by Contract Eye

About Contract Eye
Contract Eye provides guides and tools for professional contractors. We’ve been online since 2006. The site is run by a small team of current and former IT contractors with extensive experience in the contracting world. Much of the content is written in-house, with input from external specialists in tax, accountancy, and legal matters where appropriate. Our goal is to provide clear, practical guidance that helps contractors make informed decisions.
Directory of Umbrella Schemes

Top 10 best UK umbrella companies [2026 list]

3rd January 2026
A list of some of the UK's leading PAYE umbrella companies for contractors.
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Accountants for Contractors

Top 10 Contractor Accountants (2026) – Fees, Ratings, Reviews

3rd January 2026
A list of some of the leading specialist accountancy firms for contractors, including Aardvark, SG Accounting, Clever Accounts and Integro.
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Becoming an IT Contractor

10 essential steps to get started in IT contracting in 2026

2nd January 2026
Our guide for first-time IT contractors. How to get started – from quitting your job, to trading options and finding your first contract role.
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limited company it contractor

How to set up a limited company as a contractor – comprehensive guide

17th December 2025
Complete non-nonsense guide to forming a limited company as a contractor. Covers naming, directors, duties, Companies House, certificates, and next steps.
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umbrella pros cons

The pros and cons of contracting via an umbrella company

1st December 2025
We look at the pros and cons of contracting via an umbrella company - seen by many as the "hassle free" solution by many.
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need to appoint an accountant

Do you have to appoint an accountant for your limited company?

4th November 2025
When you set up in business as a limited company contractor, do you have to appoint an accountant? What are the benefits?
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check umbrella payslip

Online tools to check your umbrella company payslip is correct

13th October 2025
How can you check that your umbrella company payslip and net take home pay figures are correct, comply with UK tax laws, and don't include any unexpected deductions?
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IT contractor mortgage

Contractor mortgages – how to get one and how much can you borrow?

4th October 2025
How to get the best mortgage deals based on your contract rate alone, by using lenders who understand how contractors operate.
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it contractor critical illness cover

Critical illness insurance for IT contractors – what does it cover?

2nd October 2025
Critical illness insurance is designed to cover you if you are diagnosed with a serious medical condition. Read our guide for contractors.
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entertainment expenses

Company entertainment expenses – plus the £150 annual event exemption

24th September 2025
The rules surrounding entertainment expenses are complicated, so it’s important to know the tax implications and reliefs available to your limited company.
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