Starting the New Year straight into another National Lockdown the last thing on anyone’s mind right now is IR35 and the legislation changes from April 2021.However, the changes are still going ahead despite the impact to business and their workforce caused by the coronavirus pandemic.Here at ePayMe we have been working closely with clients and contractors to ensure the transition from April is as streamlined as possible to prevent minimum disruption to agencies, clients and … [Read more...]
Education agencies, why are you not outsourcing your payroll?
Why use an Umbrella company or as we like to call ourselves, an Outsourced payroll Provider, compared to PAYE through your agency?We have seen a large increase in education agencies utilising umbrella services since the pandemic and below our National Account Director Paul Johnston explains why:Since the demise of expenses back in 2016, the thought of utilising a payroll provider for Umbrella services has seen a change in mind-set and not all for the right reasons. Many workers feel that … [Read more...]
Beware of potential dangers to businesses of mini umbrella company fraud
Mini umbrella company (MUC) fraud reduces tax payments to HMRC including PAYE, National Insurance and VAT. This has resulted in a fraudulent supply chain leading to financial and reputational damage to businesses and workers.What is Mini Umbrella Company Fraud?The fraud is usually based around the abuse of two Government incentives which are aimed at small businesses – the VAT Flat Rate Scheme and the Employment Allowance. However, this type of fraud can also result in the non-payment of … [Read more...]
Medical Workers – Ltd to Umbrella pre IR35
The medical industry is one that will undoubtedly be affected by the changes IR35 will bring, yes, it is finally coming around again. Although there have been hopes that it will be delayed further, end clients are being told to prepare. HMRC have also stated that PSC’s won’t be subject to IR35 compliance checks, putting further emphasis on the hirer to determine status and possibly be the ones penalised if they get it wrong.With many workers and Locums trading as Ltd companies still within … [Read more...]
Tax avoidance, what’s the latest?
Back in April, we posted a blog surrounding NHS workers being targeted by tax avoidance promoters and it does not stop there.News surrounding tax avoidance schemes are still circulating outside of the NHS services. HMRC have shared information surrounding the schemes and what to look out for. Information can be found hereMost umbrella companies are compliant with tax rules. However, there are some promoters of tax avoidance schemes using comparison and broker websites, as well as direct … [Read more...]
EU Settlement Scheme Update
Over 4 million applications have been made to the EU Settlement Scheme according to the latest Home Office figures.The latest statistics show that 3,693,400 applications have been received from England, 204,700 from Scotland, 67,200 from Wales and 66,300 from Northern Ireland.If you apply for the EU Settlement Scheme successfully, you will be able to continue living and working in the UK after the 30th June 2021.You will receive either:Settled statusPre-settled statusWhat … [Read more...]
Immigration law changes, is your business ready?
Following the departure of Great Britain from the EU, the transition period ends in December. From January 2021, new rules will apply.One topic businesses need to ensure they have covered is the immigration law changes, which will affect business that employ workers from the EU.As many businesses will already be aware, EU nationals will have to apply for the EU settlement scheme to continue to live and work in the UK and have until the 30th June 2021 to apply for the scheme.On the … [Read more...]
Temporary staff numbers increase following lockdown
Availability of candidates saw a rise for the time in 20 years, reflecting redundancies announced by many companies across Britain following lockdown. It is estimated there has been over 700,000 job losses so far due to the pandemic, with numbers expected to reach over 1 million by the end of 2020.Billing from temporary hiring’s rose for the first time in 7 months. There was also a rise in billings from companies hiring permanent workers in August but the increase was worryingly small, the … [Read more...]
Two more arrests made in HMRC furlough fraud crackdown
Two further arrests have been made in connection with fraud relating to the CJRS for the sum of £70,000. An accountant from Romford and a Company Director from Walthamstow have both been arrested on suspicion of fraud by false representation and money laundering.Both individuals have since been released under investigation, but devices and business records have been retained by police.This is not the first arrest made in connection with suspected fraud, back in July arrests were made in … [Read more...]
Up to £3.5bn furlough claims fraudulent or paid in error – HMRC
HMRC told MP’s on the Public Accounts Committee it estimates that 5-10% of furlough has been wrongly awarded, with the latest data showing the programme has cost the Government £35.4bn so far.So far, 8,000 calls have been received to HMRC’s fraud hotline.The furlough scheme had paid 80% of wages for the workers placed on leave since March due to the coronavirus outbreak.Employers are being urged to check their claims and repay any excess amount back to HMRC.As it stands HMRC are … [Read more...]