How to get tax-free childcare for contractors
If you’re a contractor and have children, you can choose to pay for their childcare costs through your limited company. The benefit of this is that it may qualify for tax relief and National Insurance Contributions exemption. This is great [...]
5 top tips to organise your company costs and expenses
Working as a contractor may be new to you, or it may be something that you have been doing for a while. Whatever stage of the contractor life-cycle you're in, there are some things that are good to be reminded [...]
Switching Contractor Accountants
Every successful relationship is built on trust. This is particularly important when forming professional relationships, like with an accountant. However, there may be times, for one reason or another, when that trust is no longer there, and you feel the [...]
Life as an IT Contractor
Are you dissatisfied with your current role? Do you find yourself sitting and looking at your screen dreaming of what it would be like to ‘go it alone’ and become a contractor? If this sounds like you – dream no [...]
The top certifications your accountant should have
You work hard for your money, so you want to make sure that the person you ask to look after it knows what they are doing. It’s easy for an accountant to boast about their experience and how many clients [...]
Contracting in Cybersecurity
ContractorUK lists cybersecurity contractors as one of the most sought-after IT specialists. This statement is backed-up by a report that was released in December 2017 by The Recruitment & Employment Confederation (REC). The report states that the demand for cybersecurity [...]
Use This Trick to Fund Your Staff Party This Year
As the nights grow cold and dark, thoughts naturally turn to celebrating the end of another year. With hard work (and a little luck), you will have plenty to be proud of and find your business in an even better [...]
4 Things Not to Say to Your Accountant
When hiring an accountant, there are standard questions to ask. How much are fees, can they manage your tax preparations and filings, is your data safe, and what is expected from you in return (i.e. do you need to fill [...]
When to Complete Your Tax Returns
Running your own business comes with responsibilities. You may now pay salaries to employees/directors and dividends to shareholders, manage end of year paperwork, and network with potential clients for your next flourishing role. You welcome these tasks as your new [...]
5 Skills You Need to be a Successful IT Contractor
When a person decides to leave a permanent role in exchange for running his/her own IT contracting business, this fact alone shows an initiative and mindset needed to succeed in contracting. But the necessary skills for financial and professional freedom [...]
How to Choose a Contractor Accountant
Making the switch from working for an employer to working for yourself is a rewarding experience. You are gifting yourself with the freedom, power, and gratification of being your own boss. The challenges are exciting, roles are never boring, and [...]
Director’s loans – can you get a loan from your company?
A director can loan money to or receive a loan from a limited company but it is important that the tax implications are understood to avoid any surprise tax bills.Loaning money to a limited companyA director can lend money to [...]
Dealing with distractions
Research suggests that when we are distracted from a piece of work it takes between 10 and 15 minutes to get back to that point of focus afterwards.