It might date back to an announcement almost three years ago, but a change to dividend taxation will hit PSC contractors – in earnest – from next month, writes James Trowell, head of tax at Dolan Accountancy. In fact, from 6th April 2018, there are significant changes to the tax-free dividends allowance. These changes will reduce the 2017/18 tax-free rate from £5,000 to £2,000 -- per tax year, in 2018/19.The ChangesTax Free Dividends Allowance - £2,000 Personal Allowance - £11,850 (up … [Read more...]
IR35 Forum suggests it’s time to prepare for private sector reform
Signs still point towards an announcement in this year's Autumn Budget, with the new rules perhaps coming into force in April 2019The much-debated future of IR35 in the private sector reached new levels of uncertainty recently, with the minutes from the government's IR35 Forum yet again hinting that reform is on the cards.The IR35 Forum is a group of external stakeholders, including taxpayer representatives and professional advisers, who meet quarterly with HMRC. It was established … [Read more...]
No ‘IR35′ in Spring Statement splits contractors’ advisers
The contractor sector must wait a little longer to learn the fate of IR35 in the private sector, as today’s Spring Statement made no mention of it.“Predictably, our sector has been left in the dark over potential IR35 changes,” says Seb Maley, chief executive of IR35 advisory Qdos Contractor.Referring to a consultation on IR35 -- promised at 2017’s Autumn Budget, Mr Maley added: “The government must realise that the sooner they offer clarity over the situation, the better.”Asked … [Read more...]
Best Locations For Freelancers Revealed
New research from MoneySuperMarket reveals the best locations across the UK for freelancers and Manchester tops the list, thanks to a thriving freelance industry and a high number of start-ups. Contributor Kevin Pratt, consumer affairs expert at MoneySuperMarket.Freelancing is popular with those adopting the lifestyle, with 60 percent believing it’s a good career move. With the option of flexible hours, working from home and being your own boss, it’s no surprise that many people are turning … [Read more...]
IR35 reform coming sooner not later, says HMRC
Private sector IR35 reform will happen way before long-term changes to employment status on the back of Matthew Taylor’s already-published review get made, the taxman suggests.In new IR35 Forum minutes, HMRC says the Taylor response consultation – due this year -- will consider the long term case for reform, but it adds “there is a more immediate need”.Namely; “to consider how best to tackle private sector non-compliance with the off-payroll working rules,” which -- the Revenue … [Read more...]
Moving back to a trusted umbrella service from an expensive PSC provider!
Following changes for off payroll working in the Public Sector, many contractors may have found themselves assessed as working inside IR35. Many end clients do not want the hassle of deciding each individual case and so have placed a blanket ban on all contractors. Many of these contractors cease operating through their own limited company, and opt instead for umbrella employment as their agency and end client have suggested. For a contractor working inside IR35 this is usually the better … [Read more...]
We are giving away iPads
It really couldn't be any easier.1 x iPad will be won by a Consultant - If you are a consultant working with us, you will be placed in the draw for every contractor you send to us. (There are no restrictions on how many times you can be entered)1 x iPad will be won by a Contractor - All new contractors registering with us before the end of June 2017, will also be placed in the draw to win. (You will need to be fully registered and in an assignment to qualify)The draw will … [Read more...]
NHS IT agency foresees PSCs moving to brollies
Contractors who supply the NHS through limited companies will likely move to umbrella companies before April’s IR35 reform comes into force, a health service IT recruiter predicts.Contractors’ next best alternative is to leave the public sector or the NHS for the private sector instead, says Don Tomlinson, managing director of NHS IT staffing firm max20.Tomlinson sounded aware that contractors who don’t act before April will have a third option -- stay as a limited company and accept the … [Read more...]
Do you operate within the Public Sector?
Last Monday saw the release of the HMRC’s draft finance bill, detailing the reforms as to how the IR35 legislation must be operated in the public sector from April 2017.There have been strong reactions from industry bodies to the Government’s new ‘Draft provisions for Finance Bill 2017’, nearly 400 pages of new tax legislation setting out the draft provisions for technical consultation, including changes to National Insurance contributions, clampdown on salary sacrifice contracts for new car … [Read more...]
Don’t be left in the dark about your Self-Employed Status
For many years being Self Employed meant working for yourself with no input from anyone else. Gone are the days of “cash-in-hand” as HMRC are clamping down on the whereabouts of Tax and NI for these services. If you are actively sourcing your own work for yourself and have no input from another source then you can be classed as self-employed, if however, you rely on an agency to source you this work then you are classed as employed and so will need to be PAYE or Limited status.PAYE can be … [Read more...]