If your contract work is caught by IR35, the financial impact on your take home pay can be significant. As a result, we strongly recommend all you get a professional opinion on your contracts before starting a new role.
This includes a review of your working practices (the way you carry out your work), as well as the wording of the contract itself.
Scroll down for a list of tax consultancies who provide IR35 contract review and drafting services.
Cost of IR35
A limited company contractor who is unaffected by IR35 rules will typically withdraw a small salary, with most of his income being derived from company dividends. This has historically been a tax-efficient way to operate, although the tax benefits have reduced significantly in recent years.
If a contractor falls within the IR35 net, the income from any given contract will be significantly lower, as his income will be in the form of a deemed payment together with a small 5% allowance * to cover the cost of running a company.
For this reason, it is in your best interests to ensure your contracts are not caught by IR35.
* After April 2021, the 5% allowance only applies if the end-client is a small company.
IT contracts and working practices
The landmark Dragonfly Consultancy IR35 case showed not only that the working practices of the contractor involved did not reflect the wording of his contract, but also that the two contracts in the case (one between the agency and client, the other between the agency and the contractor) did not mirror each other.
To escape the IR35 rules, make sure that both your contracts demonstrate that you are a ‘self-employed’ contractor, rather than merely a ‘disguised employee’ of your client.
Naturally, the terms of the contracts must also reflect the true reality of your contract working practices.
The Dragonfly case shows how there is no point in having an ‘IR35 proof’ contract if the way you actually perform the role indicates that your working practices are more akin to those of an ’employee’.
IR35 Contract Review Tips
Make sure that an employment status expert reviews your contract before you sign it. It is notoriously difficult to amend a contract has commenced.
Although most agencies are IR35-aware, some may be unwilling to amend terms in their contracts if they are required. This illustrates why it is essential to use professionals to handle negotiations on your behalf.
The IR35 rules apply to individual contracts, rather than an individual. A contractor may have one contract which is caught by IR35, and others which are not.
You can also have your past contracts reviewed to see if HMRC can claim back taxes from you by virtue of your previous contracts falling within the IR35 rules.
The Dragonfly case demonstrates why the terms contained in your contracts actually match the reality of your working situation.
If you have several contract renewals, have your contract reviewed even if you don’t change client, to ensure that the terms of the contracts still reflect your current working practices.
Always use a respected IR35 contract review specialist. Many contractor accountants offer free IR35 contract reviews – but are they employment status specialists?
What are the benefits of an IR35 contract review?
An IR35 contract review can provide a number of benefits, including:
Obtaining an IR35 opinion from an employment status expert: A qualified professional can review your contract and working practices to determine whether you are inside or outside IR35.
Show that you have undertaken due diligence: If you are ever investigated by HMRC for IR35, having a contract review report can help to demonstrate that you have taken reasonable steps to demonstrate your outside-IR35 status.
Both your contract and working practices examined concurrently: A contract review will not only look at the terms of your contract, but also how you actually work. An IR35-free contract is worthless if you work in the same manner as an ’employee’.
Individual tips on how to keep IR35-free: A contract review can also provide you with personalised recommendations on how to avoid working inside IR35. This can help you to protect your business and your income.
Peace of mind: Knowing that your contract has been reviewed by an expert can give you peace of mind and allow you to focus on your work.
IR35 contract review services
Qdos Consulting are the UK’s leading IR35 tax experts. We have worked with Qdos since 2006 and thousands of our visitors have used their services!
They offer several types of review – all offer exceptionally good value.
Contract Health Check (£84)
IR35 Contract Assessment (£49)
Full IR35 Contract Review (£125)
Last Updated on 14th October 2024
Protect yourself against an HMRC IR35 investigation
Award-winning Qdos IR35 insurance – from just £99 per year. Covers £50,000 of legal costs + outstanding tax liabilities if you opt for TLC35. Contract review service also available.
