The EU Settlement Scheme is now officially open. After a successful launch on Saturday, more than 50,000 applications were made over the weekend. This brings the total number of applications to over 280,000.Applying to the EU Settlement Scheme is completely free, and the Home Office’s aim is to make it as simple and straightforward as possible. All you need to do is complete a three-step application with a laptop, tablet or mobile device to prove your identity, confirm you live in the UK and … [Read more...]
IR35 in the Private Sector
Act Now!With all that has happened in the Public Sector since April 2017, it was inevitable that the Private Sector was going to follow suit. The only saving grace for some agencies and workers was the fact it has been pushed out to April 2020. Even with this extra time available, it would seem that many are still doing nothing about the changes and leaving their heads in the sand.What we do know is that the Private Sector will mirror the Public Sector once a further Consultation has … [Read more...]
Have you seen our article in The Educator?
If your payroll provider is offering a deal that sounds too good to be true....... you really should have a read of our article here.Please contact us on 01252 863700 if you would like to have a conversation surrounding any aspect of your payroll. … [Read more...]
Thousands of workers are suffering incorrect Tax thanks to IR35
Thousands of employees working within the public sector are potentially being taxed incorrectly in an ongoing fiasco surrounding their IR35.IR35 has always been a tricky piece of regulation, and it seems like it's not getting any easier to manage with time. Serious questions over the accuracy of the Check Employment Status for Tax (CEST) tool are only being underlined by courtroom defeats for HMRC over status challenges. Meanwhile, confusion over the rules has contributed to an 8% … [Read more...]
Just when I thought I was OUT, they pull me back in
With ongoing research by many commentators showing that contractor’s confidence in HMRC’s IR35 CEST (Check Employment Status Test) tool is low, questions are now turning to whether the tool is now even fit for purpose. This is especially prevalent with the governments supposed determination to implement these changes to the private sector.The CEST tool is used by contractors’ and Public Sector Authorities to accurately assess and determine an engagement’s IR35 status. Provided the … [Read more...]
To Prefer or not To Prefer…. That is the question
Whilst many Recruitment Agencies utilise a Preferred Supplier List (PSL) of umbrella companies and contractor accountants, how sure can stakeholders of an agency be that this is being enforced by their workforce?Unfortunately, not everyone plays fair and with the introduction of various pieces of legislation in the past few years, the need for an agency and its directors to protect itself has never been greater. The new Criminal Finance Act especially includes the corporate offence which … [Read more...]
Your Provider May Giveth but HMRC May Taketh Away!
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...]
‘Brave’ contractor MDCM Ltd wins IR35 appeal
A brave limited company contractor has won his IR35 appeal, overcoming three status factors that went against him and giving HMRC a red-face in the process.Mark Daniels, who fought HMRC alone in an era of it using barristers, even got helped to his win by HMRC, despite Financial Risk, Substitution and MOO going in its favour.But on Control, HMRC was forced to withdraw its submission against Daniels, director of MDCM Ltd, during the hearing and once tax officials had heard oral evidence … [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...]
UK banks to check 70m bank accounts in search for illegal immigrants
Banks and building societies are to carry out immigration checks on 70m current accounts from January in the biggest extension of Theresa May’s plans to create a “hostile environment” for illegal immigrants in Britain, the Guardian has learned.The Home Office expects to identify 6,000 visa over-stayers, failed asylum seekers and foreign national offenders facing deportation in the first year of the checks, which are to be carried out quarterly.The accounts of those identified will be … [Read more...]