Only last week we heard that several recruitment consultants had received tax demands from HMRC relating to unpaid tax on incentive payments received from one or more umbrella companies. If recruitment agency staff accept monies, vouchers and other types of benefit from umbrella providers, they should be declaring this as taxable income.The Government is taking this issue seriously and the actions being taken within the next two years will highlight not just taxation but also the UK’s … [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...]
IR35: what private PSCs could see in April 2019
While some people talk about fairness and parity between freelancers and the employed, I doubt the government is looking at changing the IR35 legislation because they feel a moral obligation to create greater fairness, writes Mark Lee, founder of ContractElite.The government needs to collect more tax; that’s the real incentive. As chancellor Philip Hammond has already flagged up (and quite nicely, given that his Spring Statement 2018 is just around the corner), the greater propensity for … [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...]
Nurses & agencies using umbrella loan schemes risk tax bills and prosecution
ePayMe have been advising agencies and contractors about the pitfalls of sourcing schemes that offer a higher net take home pay that normal. Please don't fall into the trap of thinking that it's fine, you won't get caught or it's not your problem. It's not just the healthcare sector that are in the spotlight - any sector, contractor or agency need to be aware.ePayMe Founder and Chairman, Andrew Johnston said 'Over the past 3 years, I have seen a myriad of 'solutions' offered and quite … [Read more...]
Are you and your business ready for the Criminal Finances Act 2017?
With so much red tape and other recent changes to IR35 passing your desk, you can be forgiven for taking little notice of this legislation passed by Parliament last April. An introduction date of 30th September means that action may need to be taken to ensure you remain compliant.The Government believes that relevant bodies should be criminally liable where they fail to prevent those who act for, or on their behalf from criminally facilitating tax evasion.Here is a link to the draft … [Read more...]
IR35 reform in the private sector: waiting for the other shoe to drop
Long before controversial public sector IR35 reform was introduced in April, speculation was mounting that the private sector would face similar changes. And in fact, public sector reform was simply seen as a test-run for the private sector by many, writes Seb Maley, Qdos Contractor's CEO.While private sector IR35 reform has not yet been confirmed by the government, the rumour that this might well happen in time does have substance. Along with increasing media attention, private sector IR35 … [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...]
The Sun Doesn’t Always Shine
IR35 Autumn Statement Public Sector (let's not forget the Private Sector) April 6th legislative change Apprenticeship LevyNot only have the above words been searched countless times on google, been on a plethora of agendas, they remain areas constantly being discussed.No longer a question of when or if the changes will be implemented or even delayed, the legislative landscape has changed – with changes implemented 6/4/17. If you’re not on the front foot now, there is still time, … [Read more...]