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    • Contracting via a limited company – advantages and disadvantages
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    • 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
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    • IR35 and Off-Payroll explained – a simple beginner’s guide
    • When was IR35 introduced? Timeline from 1999 to 2023
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    • Your company annual accounts – the basics, and filing deadlines
    • Top 10 Contractor Accountants (2025)
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    • What is the most tax-efficient director’s salary in 2025/26?
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Umbrella Company Guides

Many contractors – out of choice or necessity – work via PAYE umbrella companies.

This is a low-stress way of getting started as a contractor, although less tax-efficient than working via a limited company.

There are hundreds of umbrella companies out there.

It is crucial that you only sign up to an established UK-based PAYE umbrella, as there are some unscrupulous providers out there.

Use our concise guides to learn how this business structure works in practice, what to look out for, and how to find the best umbrella provider to fit your needs.

  • How much do umbrella companies cost? – the ‘margin’ or ‘fee’ charged by providers varies considerably.
  • Compare umbrella companies – how to compare umbrella providers – 20 things to look out for so that you can accurately compare umbrella firms.
  • Expenses you can claim via an umbrella company – HMRC has clamped down on the scope of reclaimable expenses, so what can you still claim for?
  • Umbrella company reviews – how to find genuine feedback on the bewildering choice of umbrella companies.
  • IR35 and umbrella working – does this infamous legislation affect umbrella contractors, or just limited workers?
  • Umbrella advantages and disadvantages – the pros and cons of working via a PAYE umbrella company.
  • Limited or Umbrella Company? – which is the best route for you?
  • Is your umbrella company payslip correct? – use online tools to make sure your deductions are correct.

Umbrella Company Directory
Umbrella Company Calculator

contractor tax avoidance scheme

Contractor tax avoidance schemes – warning signs to look out for

15th February 2022
Tax avoidance schemes come in all shapes and sizes. To veteran contractors, the warning signs may be obvious, but many others are (or have been) duped into using them. They represent a clear and present danger to your current and future prosperity.
Read More
government umbrella

What is the government’s stance on umbrella companies?

8th February 2022
With hundreds of thousands of workers using umbrella companies in the UK, and over 500 providers to choose from, what is the government's stance on umbrella companies, and how is it seeking to ensure compliance within the sector?
Read More

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