Individuals who are returning to the National Health Service (NHS) to help to respond to the outbreak of COVID-19 have been targeted by immoral promoters of tax avoidance schemes. HMRC is advising affected individuals to be wary of signing up to these schemes.The schemes on offer all have common features, but they may be described in different ways. One consistent element will be that the scheme attempts to disguise the true level of earnings, which should be subject to Income Tax and … [Read more...]
EU Settlement Scheme Applications: Important Message About COVID-19
The EU Settlement Scheme continues to perform well and more than 3 million have already been granted status with more than a year left to go until the deadline for applications.While applications continue to be processed, during this challenging time they will take longer than usual. In addition, in line with the latest Public Health England advice some of our support services and application routes have temporarily changed. Please find an outline of these changes below. This situation is … [Read more...]
Chancellor Rishi Sunak has spoken, support for self-employed is now confirmed
Chancellor Rishi Sunak set out plans for 80% wage subsidies for staff kept on by employers last week and the PM said he wants similar protection for freelancers. However, he stated there was “particular difficulties" for freelancers who are not on Pay As You Earn (PAYE) schemes, but that he wanted to achieve "parity of support" across the workforce.With 5.2 million self-employed workers in the UK, it was only a matter of time before the chancellor put a plan in place to support the self – … [Read more...]
Tax helpline to support businesses affected by coronavirus (COVID-19)
HMRC has a set up a phone helpline to support businesses and self-employed people concerned about not being able to pay their tax due to coronavirus (COVID-19).The helpline allows any business or self-employed individual who is concerned about paying their tax due to coronavirus to get practical help and advice. Up to 2,000 experienced call handlers are available to support businesses and individuals when needed.For those who are unable to pay due to coronavirus, HMRC will discuss your … [Read more...]
HMRC Tackling Construction Industry Scheme Abuse
HMRC have launched a consultation concerning ways to tackle abuse of the construction industry scheme.The consultation seeks views on changes to the rules to prevent tax loss from the CIS. HMRC will have the power to correct the CIS deduction amounts claimed by sub-contractors on their Real Time Information (RTI) Employer Payment Summary (EPS) returns and seeks views on the implementation process.The 10 week consultation started on the 19th March and will conclude on the 28th May … [Read more...]
COVID-19: Changes to standard and enhanced ID checking guidelines
Due to current measures that have been put in place as a result of the coronavirus outbreak, we’re aware that organisations are having difficulty following the DBS ID checking guidance.Currently, when validating ID documents, it is best practice to carry the examination out face-to-face with a live video link as an alternative method. Under the current guidance, the ID checker must be in physical possession of the original documents so they can be checked for indicators of fraud.As the … [Read more...]
Budget 2020
With Coronavirus (COVID-19) taking up almost all media activity recently, it would have been very easy to have missed the Chancellors first Budget to parliament yesterday.In his first Budget, Chancellor Rishi Sunak unveiled a £12bn package to help the country through the coronavirus outbreak.£5bn emergency response fund to support the NHS and other public services in England All those advised to self-isolate will be entitled to statutory sick pay, even if they have not presented … [Read more...]
Why recruitment agencies are outsourcing their payroll?
It has never been a better time to be a freelance contract worker within the UK, growing numbers of agencies are becoming more and more reactive to the countries growing demand for a more flexible workforce.We have seen over a 40% growth in our business each year for the past 2 years, which is a clear sign of a change in which hirers are addressing their recruitment needs. With growth, comes further burdens to continue to grow unless processes are in place to support these … [Read more...]
What do you look for when you review your PSL?
Many agencies follow compliance processes they have internally to review the PSL of umbrella companies. However, do you really know what your workers are being charged and understand the payslip and calculations behind the figures?With the key information document, being issued to contractors from April 2020 by recruitment agencies now would be the time to check what is actually being deducted.We review payslips from competitors on a regular basis from contractors who are not happy with … [Read more...]
How do you choose the right Umbrella company?
With the changes in IR35 reform just around the corner, more and more Limited Company PSC’s that are deemed as “inside” IR35 will be required to alter their current pay structure and look at either an employed in-house PAYE or outsourced umbrella service. Many agencies run a PSL (Preferred Supplier List) to allow workers a choice of approved/accredited providers without having to search themselves and stumble on a provider that is not necessarily compliant. It is just another level of compliancy … [Read more...]