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  • 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 to find reliable umbrella company reviews
    • Umbrella Company Directory
    • Umbrella Company Calculator – calculate your net pay (2026/27)
  • IR35
    • IR35 and Off-Payroll explained – a simple beginner’s guide
    • IR35 timeline: when it was introduced and how it evolved
    • 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 (2026)
  • 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
    • Public liability insurance
    • Employers’ liability insurance
    • Life Insurance
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    • Private Medical Cover
    • Critical Illness Cover
  • Work
  • Finances
    • Contractor Pensions
    • What is a SIPP?
    • Contractor Mortgages
    • Business Banking

IR35 and Off-Payroll Rules

The aim of IR35 (the Intermediaries Legislation) is to tax ‘disguised employment’ at a similar rate to employment. Where an individual works via their own limited company, but in a manner far more akin to a traditional employee.

The additional ‘Off-Payroll’ rules were added in 2017 (public sector) and from April 2021 (private sector).

Our guides outline what IR35 is, the financial consequences if you are caught, how to ensure you remain outside IR35, and the ‘Off-Payroll’ rules.

You can use an excellent IR35 Calculator on IR35 Update.

Try these popular articles as a starting point.

  • What are IR35 and the ‘Off Payroll’ rules? A beginner’s guide – a concise overview of the Intermediaries Legislation, and the ‘Off-Payroll’ add-on.
  • History of IR35 – from 1999 to date – a timeline covering the key events in the history of the most controversial tax encountered by contractors.
  • The financial cost if you are caught by IR35 – if your contract work is caught, you may be thousands of pounds worse off.
  • Download an IR35 contract template – some useful advice on ‘IR35-friendly’ contracts. Download a sample contract.
  • Using a specialist contract review service – why you should leave contract drafting and analysis of your working practices to experts only.

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small companies exemption ir35

Off Payroll (IR35) rules – what is the small companies exemption?

14th April 2025
The Off Payroll rules came into play for private sector clients in April 2021. An exemption exists if a business meets the definition of a 'small company'.
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IR35 Confirmation of Arrangements Letter

IR35 – Confirmation of Arrangements – includes template download

16th January 2025
A document confirming the true working arrangement between contractor and client is a useful tool in demonstrating self-employment in the context of IR35.
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Mutuality of Obligation

What is mutuality of obligation (MOO) under IR35?

14th January 2025
Whether or not a mutuality of obligation exists between the parties is a key IR35 status indicator. We look at what MOO is - and how HMRC interprets it.
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history of ir35

IR35 timeline: when it was introduced and how it evolved

5th January 2024
The history of IR35 - from its first mention in early 1999, to its introduction in 2000. Plus the controversial 'off-payroll' changes in 2017 and 2021.
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employed or self employed ir56

IR56 – are you employed or self-employed?

6th January 2023
An overview of the HMRC's 'IR56' definitions of employment and self employment, which help determine if a contract is subject to the IR35 rules.
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IR35 Substitution ROS

IR35 and the Right of Substitution

11th March 2022
The Right of Substitution is an important factor in IR35 / employment status cases, but how can it be used in reality?
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