IR35 is the common name for the Intermediaries Legislation, which is designed to combat tax avoidance. The legislation is targeted at individuals who are providing services through their own limited companies or partnerships and who may not be paying the tax that they should be.
The legislation should be of huge concern to all contractors; the financial ramifications of falling foul of IR35 can be significant so it is vital that everyone understands how it works.
First issued in 2000, IR35 targets those workers considered in the eyes of the HMRC to be ‘disguised employees’. Contractors, being technically self-employed, are not taxed in the same way as average employees, taking dividends from their company and paying far less in National Insurance Contributions. Because of this, HMRC are keen to ensure that those working as contractors (and paying less tax) are indeed genuinely in business on their own account, and are not working in the same way they would have been if employed directly by their client.
IR35 compliance starts with your contract, and continues with your working practices with your end client. Not only does having a professional review of these provide you with a professional opinion on your IR35 status helping you to pay your taxes correctly, but it may reduce your penalties if caught by the legislation, showing that you have taken due care and attention in ascertaining your status. We can also now offer a legal review of your contract to ascertain the individual risks your business faces from a legal perspective.
IR35 Contract Assessment
This assessment is best suited for veteran contractors who already have a basic understanding of the IR35 legislation. This service will provide you with an overall opinion on your contractors as well as any necessary amendments required, and is provided for free with most of our insurance policies, or £69+VAT.
Full IR35 Contract Review
For new contractors or those just looking for more detail in their contract reviews, our Full Review service will provide you with a detailed report on your IR35 status, commenting on each relevant clause in the contract, and including an assessment of your working practices, gaining you not only a professional opinion on your contract’s compliance, but also a better understanding of the legislation itself, all for just £165+VAT.
Public Sector IR35 Solution
Contractors whose end clients are in the public sector, will be required to provide assurance of their IR35 status to their engager. We have especially designed this review service, costing only £175+VAT, to suit the requirements of such assurance, which includes a review of your working practices and a certificate of compliance if we find your engagement to be outside of IR35, in order for you to present to your client.
Working Practices Review
A Working Practices review is designed to assess the actual working relationship between your limited company and end client. HMRC will usually look into the written contract to begin with during an investigation but will want to determine the reality of the arrangement. This review will look at all aspects of your working practices and provide you with a PASS/FAIL opinion along with suggestions to improve (if applicable). This is charged at just £69+VAT.