James Leckie, Author at Contract Eye

What is salary skimming and how do unethical umbrella companies profit from it?

By James Leckie 31st May 2023

This article aims to elucidate the concept of salary skimming, its occurrence, and the steps contractors can take to secure transparent and compliant payment from their umbrella company.

HMRC VAT accounting schemes for limited companies – which is the best option?

By James Leckie 31st May 2023

The different ways contractor companies can account for VAT - the 'standard' VAT accounting, flat rate VAT, annual accounting, and the cash accounting schemes.

Why an ‘IR35 friendly’ contract must reflect reality

By James Leckie 26th May 2023

An employment status expert explains why complying with IR35 involves much more than simply having an 'IR35 friendly' contract in place.

What do ‘inside’ and ‘outside’ IR35 mean in reality?

By James Leckie 9th May 2023

If you're caught by the IR35 tax legislation, it could have a big impact on your take home pay. So what does inside and outside IR35 actually mean?

What is a limited company’s registered office address?

By James Leckie 4th May 2023

When you form a new company, you must choose an official registered office address. Here we explain the legal requirements, plus options available if you don't want to use your home address.

Does HMRC officially approve any umbrella companies?

By James Leckie 4th May 2023

In this article, we explain how compliant umbrella companies operate and whether or not HMRC officially approves any umbrella companies.

IR35 – what is HMRC’s CEST tool? What are its limitations?

By James Leckie 3rd May 2023

CEST (Check Employment Status for Tax) is a tool created by HMRC to help clients determine whether any contractors they engage fall inside or outside IR35.

IR35 – what is a status determination statement?

By James Leckie 20th April 2023

A Status Determination Statement (SDS) is a document that sets out the status of a contractor for tax purposes. What is included in an SDS, and what happens if you disagree with it?

Do I need to inform HMRC if I pay my wife a small salary via my company?

By James Leckie 14th April 2023

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.

What HMRC umbrella company guidance is available?

By James Leckie 4th April 2023

HMRC has published several pieces of guidance to help contractors, freelancers and industry stakeholders understand how compliant umbrella companies should work.