Preparing for IR35 – a checklist of everything you need to consider and start doing now
The IR35 reform has been talked about, planned and postponed, but as we inch ever closer to April its myth is quickly becoming a reality. Whilst we’re unable to stop it from happening, we can ensure we’re all ready for [...]
Tax planning for 2020/21
For the 2020/2021 tax year, tax allowances and rate bands have, in the main, remained the same. In this article, we demonstrate what that means to contractors in real terms, and offer our advice for trading as tax-efficiently as [...]
Everything you need to know about Director’s Loan
Being a director of a limited company comes with lots of responsibilities. One aspect of the role, which sometimes gets played down, is understanding the myriad of complex rules and legislation that come with running a limited company. A [...]
Claiming interest on buy-to-let mortgages as a contractor
Anyone who has rental property or works in tax will know about the relatively recent changes HMRC have made to how landlords are allowed to claim the interest on their mortgages. See below: % of Mortgage Interest can be deducted [...]
5 ways to increase your take-home pay
One reason why people choose to become contractors is that they can have the ability to earn more than they did as an employee. This is because they can charge higher rates and if they think about how they structure [...]
Research and Development tax credits explained
The government wants UK companies to succeed. It’s great for employment and training and overall successful companies boost the economy. To help companies be successful the government provides an incentive in the form of tax credits, to companies who are [...]
What taxes do I need to pay as a contractor?
Leaving the world of employment and stepping out on your own as an independent contractor is both exhilarating and terrifying. One of the biggest challenges you’ll face initially is getting your head around what taxes you need to pay. We [...]
Overseas contracting: top things to remember when contracting abroad
If you’ve had enough of the British weather and pine for warmer weather, or, if you’re keen to try out working in a different country, then contracting overseas could be a great option. Plus, it’s never been easier to work [...]
Limited Company Checklist
We know how hard you work for your money. In fact, many contractors work in excess of 40 hours a week. So, it is only natural that you want to take the majority of this hard-earned money home. For most [...]
Do I need an accountant as a contractor working through my limited company?
As an independent contractor working through your own limited company, your days are mostly spent working on your client’s projects. The last thing you want to do after a busy day is to sit down and look over your accounts [...]
Flat Rate Scheme: What to do if you are on the wrong trade sector
The VAT Flat Rate Scheme was introduced to simplify the process of calculating VAT returns. The premise of the scheme is that you pay a fixed rate of VAT based on which trade sector your business falls into. However, choosing [...]
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 [...]
Latest legislation 2018: How will it impact you?
The world of contracting is ever changing. This week’s article discusses some of the changes to legislation that are occurring that contractors or owners of limited companies need to be aware of. Drop in dividend tax allowance A large proportion [...]
Pensions and Tax Advice for Contractors
If you choose, you can retire at 55. Sounds very tempting, doesn’t it? What would you do with your retirement? Spend it travelling? Maybe you would like to learn a new skill? There are so many options. However, in order [...]
Ask an Expert: What You Need to Know About Expenses
When we start working with a contractor, one of the first questions we get asked, is, “As a contractor working through my own limited company, can I claim for business expenses?" followed by, “What expenses can I claim for?” You’ll [...]
Being efficient with your tax
Contractors are known for being hard workers. Thus, you will want to make sure that you don’t have to pay more tax than you legitimately have to. By engaging the services of an experienced contractor accountant who can help you [...]
Recent tax changes for IT Contractors
The IT contracting sector is booming at the moment, particularly in the area of Cybersecurity and GDPR. If you are looking to enter into the IT contractor market for the first time or are looking to re-enter it following a [...]
5 Mistakes People Make When Doing Their Own VAT Return
Completing your VAT Return can be a stressful task if you leave it to the last minute, or don’t keep proper records of your income and expenses. Here at SG Accounting, we have seen many VAT Returns, and here are [...]
Demystifying Corporation Tax
As a contractor working through your own limited company, you are required to pay a range of taxes. This article is designed to help reduce the confusion that can surround Corporation Tax. We explain who has to pay it, how [...]
5 Common Mistakes Found on Self Assessment Tax Returns
Tax return time is a stressful period for most of us. Have I got all the records I need? What if I forget to include something vital? Most crucially of all, have I put enough money away to pay my bill? These [...]