Protect yourself from HMRC scammers
Cybercriminals are using increasingly sophisticated methods to scam people into handing over their personal and bank details. According to the Citizens Advice Bureau around four million people are scammed each year in the UK. The scary thing is, this number [...]
Fuel efficient cars for contractors
As a contractor who operates through a limited company and who uses your own vehicle to travel to your clients’ office, you should be used to claiming for mileage expenses. With the fluctuating fuel costs, you may have noticed that [...]
Contracting abroad – what to consider
If you are a contractor whose skills are in high-demand, you may at some point in your contracting career find yourself with an offer to work abroad.Not only could this be fantastic for your career, it also offers you the [...]
5 surprising expenses that you can claim for
The life of a contractor is very different to that of an ‘employee’. One of the biggest differences is the structure of work. There will be periods where you are working flat out and there may be times when things [...]
Don’t get caught out by IR35 in 2018
Upon deciding to become an independent contractor, one of the first things you should acquaint yourself with is the Intermediaries Legislation or IR35 as it is commonly referred to. IR35 is a complex piece of legislation. To help you from [...]
Productivity apps for contractors
It seems like the term ‘productivity’ is the buzzword of the moment. Everyone wants to be more productive with their time. This led us to ask, what is productivity and why is it so important? The technical definition of productivity [...]
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 [...]
Tax Planning for 2018/2019
For the 2018/2019 tax year, allowances and rate bands have increased – with the exception of the tax free dividend allowance, which has reduced to £2,000. In this article, we demonstrate what that means to contractors in real terms, and [...]
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 [...]
Travel Expenses: The 24-Month Rule Explained
Last week we discussed what HMRC class as an ‘allowable expense’. We stressed the importance that expenses must be ‘wholly, exclusively and necessarily’ incurred for the use by the business. This week we’re continuing with the same theme and look [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
Changes to childcare vouchers – what it means for contractors
The date is set. From 6th April 2018, the childcare voucher scheme will close to new applicants. Those already in the scheme can continue to use it.This week’s article delves into the change and discusses what it means for contractors.Childcare [...]
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 [...]
IR35 Advice for Contractors
If you are already a contractor or are planning on becoming one soon, as well as understanding the UK tax system, you must also acquaint yourself with IR35, or the ‘Intermediaries’ Legislation’, or ‘off-payroll working’ as it is sometimes referred [...]
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 [...]
Salaries and Dividends – how to make the most out of your limited company
Salaries and dividends - how to make the most out of your limited companyWorking as a contractor opens up new avenues and offers you the chance to increase your skillset. By choosing to work through your own limited company you [...]