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5 Budgeting Tips for Contractors and Freelancers

Contracting can be rewarding both financially and personally – but it does come with some challenges, one of which is living without guaranteed income. Our blog provides some easy budgeting tips that can help your cash flow.


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The IT Contractor Tax Guide

If you’re an IT professional thinking about contracting, our easy-to-understand IT contractor tax guide will help you make sense of how taxes work for contractors.


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What is an umbrella company? Contractor and Freelancer FAQs

Contracting via umbrella company is widely considered as being the easiest method for contractors and freelancers to get paid. There is less of an administrative burden than operating through a limited company and getting paid is a quick and efficient process. We are regularly asked about umbrella company payroll by contract and freelance workers. Here are the answers to the most common queries, including ‘what is an umbrella company?’


Can you claim expenses through an umbrella company?

Contractors working through umbrella companies were hit hard by changes in legislation concerning claiming expenses. Starting on the 6th April 2016, HMRC introduced legislation that significantly reduced the number of contractors able to claim tax relief on travel and subsistence expenses. In fact, umbrella workers are usually not considered for expense claims.


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What is a limited company? Contractor FAQs

Many people who either are looking to start their own business, or are a contractor or freelancer looking for a payroll solution, hear that limited companies are a tax-efficient way to operate in the UK. But with all the confusing jargon surrounding it, what is a limited company really and how can operating one benefit you?


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What are the benefits of working through an umbrella company?

With changes to off-payroll legislation (IR35) that have come into place in the public sector, and soon the private sector, demand for umbrella companies has drastically increased. Umbrella company payroll is an alternative payroll option to agency PAYE, and is a popular choice for contractors who can no longer work through a PSC (Personal Service Company).


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How to prepare for the new tax year

The UK tax year runs from 6th April to 5th April the following year, which means the new tax year of 2017/18 is starting soon on Thursday 6th April. As a contractor and businessperson, there are things you can do to prepare for the new tax year and set yourself up for success.


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Budget 2017 Key Announcements

It appears that Chancellor Philip Hammond has set his sights on the self-employed as he aims to extinguish “tax-motivated incorporation”, announced in Budget 2017 today, 8th March.


IR35 Update for Off-Payroll Workers in the Public Sector

The clauses for Finance Bill 2017, published Monday 20th March, details the new rules for how the intermediaries legislation (IR35) will be determined for public sector contractors and freelancers working through a personal service company (PSC). The new rules come into effect on 6th April 2017 and affect payments made on or after that date.


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How does an umbrella company work?

Working through an umbrella company is the easiest way to operate as a contractor and once you have signed up, you will have a minimal amount of ongoing administration. However, do you know how an umbrella company actually works? Read our article to find out more about the processes involved when you sign up with an umbrella company.