All-inclusive IR35 support as standard
Now that the IR35 reform is here to stay, SG Accounting clients gets all the expertise and support that they need:
Unlimited IR35 advice from your Director level accountant
Free use of our umbrella service should the need arise
Support challenging client status determination
All included in our monthly accounting fee of £99 +VAT
SG Accounting
We’ll help you navigate IR35 both now and beyond
IR35 can be a tricky field to navigate, but our team of expert contractor accountants can help you understand exactly what IR35 is, how recent changes may have impacted you, and the action you can take to protect your contracts and take home pay.
At SG we’ve worked with contractors for more than 20 years, helping them through the changes in the Public Sector and are passionate about supporting the flexible workforce through the upcoming changes too.
IR35 FAQs
What is IR35?
IR35 (also known as Intermediaries Legislation) is legislation created to identify individuals falsely establishing limited companies as a means to reduce their national insurance (NI) payments and taxes. This is often referred to as “disguised employment”.
There are a number of rules that aim to determine whether your contract falls inside or outside of IR35. If your contract is ‘inside’ IR35, you will be taxed as if you were a permanent employee – either via your client’s payroll or through an Umbrella Company. If your contract is ‘outside’ the legislation, you would be considered truly self-employed and would be able to structure your income so as to benefit from the tax efficiencies available through the use of dividend payments.
For this reason, many contractors prefer to work on contracts that are found to be outside of IR35.
Who decides on IR35 status?
Since April 2021 the end-hirer has been responsible for assessing IR35 statuses for both those contractors within the Private and Public sector. The end-hirer is also 100% liable for any fines if they are found to have got it wrong (through and HMRC investigation).
What does the April 2021 change mean for contractors?
From April 2021, the rules surrounding IR35 in the Private Sector were brought in line with those for the Public Sector, with the end hirer making the determination across the board. The rules used to determine IR35 status did not change, so in theory, contacts outside IR35 before April 2021 should continue to be so. However, our experience of the changes being implemented in the Public Sector suggest that some end hirers may take a more risk averse stance, deeming a larger proportion of contractors as inside IR35 as a result.
This may result in some contractors temporarily needing to work on a PAYE basis. One of the ways of doing so is through an Umbrella Company which effectively creates an overarching contract between you and the hirer and deals with your admin, tax and payroll. The hirer pays your Umbrella Company who takes off their fee, National Insurance and income tax and passes what’s left on to you. You’re effectively taxed as an employee.
For these reasons, many contractors may find themselves needing to switch between their Limited Company and an Umbrella Company at short notice, while they challenge a client’s determination, look for a new contract or negotiate their fee to cover any take-home pay shortfall.
Find out how we can help with IR35
New to contracting?
New to contracting?
Complete business set-up
Help choosing between Limited and Umbrella
IR35 explained
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Switching accountant?
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Get expert face to face advice
Survive IR35
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What our satisfied clients say
Don’t just take our word for it, hear what our clients have to say about us. Whether you’re new to contracting or looking to switch contractor accountants, our expertise and accounting packages could be perfect for you.
Nigel Phillips10/10/2024I have worked with SG for several years now and only leaving as I am retiring. They have been really good for me, sorting out all my tax returns and issues. My only regret is I used other organisations before SG and it unfortunately cost me a lot of money.read moreread lessCeleste McGill10/10/2024I started my company in 2023 with a solid understanding of my business but absolutely no experience on the finance side. After being let down terribly by my previous accountant, who did little more than register me for VAT, I turned to SG Accounting. Within days, I had my first meeting with Laura Hepworth, a Senior Client Director, who took me through everything step by step. Following that meeting, I was immediately contacted by various team members, gathering the necessary information and ensuring I was registered with the appropriate authorities. This highlighted just how badly my previous accountant had let me down. In no time at all, SG Accounting had everything up and running, and I was back on track with the relevant authorities. Laura and the team have been exceptional, and if I could give them a 10-star review, I would. Equally, Brandon Moody, an Accounts Associate, deserves his own 10-star review for tirelessly sorting through two years of accounts (once again, due to my previous accountant's negligence). He has patiently explained everything, chased after information, receipts, and invoices, and has been incredibly supportive throughout. If you're a contractor whose core business isn’t accounts, I highly recommend SG Accounting. They have gone above and beyond in getting my accounts sorted quickly, all for the same price I paid my previous "accountant." 5 stars all the way!read moreread lessGrace Waters3/27/2024I recently signed up with SG Accounting to manage the accounts for my small limited company, and am very happy with the service I've received so far. My designated account manager, Laura, has been great - very responsive to my queries via email, and thorough in our introductory call. The compliance team have also been proactive and efficient with various filing obligations, which really helps take the weight off when you're juggling multiple other things as a small business owner. I spoke with a quite a few different firms (national, local and online) before I decided to go with SG, and felt they offered the best value for money, and a more personalised service.read moreread lessLena Palmer3/27/2024SG Accounting provides access to FreeAgent as part of their services and the onboarding session their Accounts Consultant (Thomas A) provided was absolutely top tier. He walked me through each of the key areas step-by-step and pointed out useful information as we went. Even when I deviated the topic to some general accountancy queries linked to the FreeAgent tab we were discussing at the time, he answered my query with full knowledge & background information. He also followed up very quickly in an email a side query I had regarding VAT calculations and provided the numbers behind it. At the end of our call, not only do I feel fully comfortable with using FreeAgent, but I understood & learnt a lot more about managing my business accounts thanks to Tom. I'd also like to add that my new account director (Frances) has been wonderful with her introductory calls and answering all my self-assessment tax queries.read moreread less- Andrea R2/28/2024I've worked with SG Accounting for various years and am thoroughly impressed. Their efficiency, professionalism, and punctuality surpass previous firms we've partnered with. Notably, Thomas and Carlotte expertly handled a critical task of reviewing all our bills submitted just 2 hours before a deadline, showcasing their ability to prioritize and execute tasks swiftly without compromising on diligence. SG Accounting consistently goes beyond our expectations, proving themselves as not just a service provider but a valuable business partner. Sarah explains information relevant to us as required and provides valuable advice as needed. Their commitment and performance are exceptional, making them highly recommendable for any business in need of reliable accounting services.read moreread lessAnnette Bergen1/31/2024Update Jan 2024: I have been with SG Accounting for almost 4 years now and would highly recommend them. They helped me with the initial process of setting up a limited company and they have done my company & personal tax returns ever since. SG Accounting are also great with ad hoc tax questions, such as my most recent query on purchasing an EV via my limited company. Olivia Stevens and Alex Gould were really helpful via phone & email and gave me all the info I needed to make an informed decision. Review from 2020: I switched to SG Accounting this year and I wish I had done it much earlier! I really feel appreciated as a client and I find them very responsive and approachable. Laura talked me through the process of setting up my own limited company and all the tax implications that come with that. The team then helped me with all the initial admin, even setting up a business bank account, which was a huge help and saved me a lot of time. I terms of day-to-day assistance, I can always email with questions and typically get a response the same day. There is a handy spreadsheet that the accounts team tally with my business bank account whenever I want, which is great. I also like their structured pricing with the different packages. I can really recommend this firm to anyone!read moreread lessJohannes12/05/2023I highly recommend SG Accounting. They are very professional and very helpful. Most importantly of all, they are always on time for filing returns and meeting all deadlines required. Been with them for more than a year and hope for it to stay this way for years to come.read moreread lessDomagoj Lalk Vidovic11/16/2023SG Accounting has been taking care of my business for a year now. They are extremely professional, giving the best advice, and sending multiple reminders if needed to submit any documents. Respond to every question very fast. 11/10read moreread less
- alexia fletcher10/03/2023I have known Rich Murray and so many of the team for about 12 years or more, before SG, and when Rich moved to SG, I moved my accounts over to them too. Everyone has always been so friendly and helpful - extremely personable and professional, they're all like a family - I cannot recommend SG Accounting enough. Nothing is a problem for anyone - fantastic communication, so responsive and flexible to my needs whether I am contracting or taking a break. Huge thanks to Alex for a really helpful discussion recently too. SG team - you are all awesome!read moreread lessShakeel Ahmad9/12/2023Amazing response time, a brilliant team and a really helpful account manager. What else do you need? The overall value considering the overall quality of service, including the free accounting software, is more than anywhere else.read moreread lessChris Shearman8/21/2023Really excellent service and a great company to work with. They always respond to my queries promptly and helpfully. I've been contracting for about 8 years now and very happy with SG's service in that time. Thoroughly recommend.read moreread lessDavid Humphries8/14/2023Highly helpful and very responsive, often going above and beyond. Would very much recommend.read moreread less
- Neil Biddlecombe8/14/2023A great service - have used them for years and have referred them to colleagues.read moreread lessDavid Belnick7/24/2023I had a complex setup, with a non-trading Limited Company that was essentially mothballed for 10yrs, so when I started to take on Contract work again, I had no idea where to start. A lot of Admin was required to bring the accounts up to date, new registrations for VAT and PAYE completed and Bank and Business management taken care of with FreeAgent and Tide. SG have been absolutely brilliant, on every level, from Customer engagement, understanding the requirements, practical advice and solid delivery they have stuck with the task of bringing me back online, which has frankly saved my sanity and put me in a great position to move forward. I highly recommend their services on a personal and professional level!read moreread lessGeoffrey Beedham3/27/2023SG has looked after us and our company for the past 5 years. Throughout the service has been first class; an attention to detail with a friendly approach, with very reasonable fees.read moreread lessRyan Badcock3/20/2023SG have made my accounting very straightforward for me. They have set me up in the best way for my circumstances and manage all of my queries very efficiently. I feel as though SG have my accounts in hand very well and I do not need to worry about them. I get given clear guidance and options to make decisions with. I would and have recommended SG to friends and family.read moreread less
- Steve Pritchard3/10/2023My business was with SG Contractor Accounting for 16 years, and in all that time I've found them very helpful, and great to work with. Throroughly recommended.read moreread lessMark Riley3/08/2023SG Accounting have provided me with an excellent and professional service for my limited company.read moreread lessAmer Dheedan3/08/2023Great team and great service. I dealt with several individuals from SG Contractor Accounting, they are constantly professional, helpful,and kind.read moreread lessNick Barber12/13/2022I have been a very satisfied client of SG Accounting for over 20 years and am happy to give them a hearty recommendation. SG have managed my professional accounting needs in an exemplary manner throughout and I have had no issues with their work. They have always been extremely professional in their dealings with me while feeling more like friends than suppliers. Now I have retired it will be sad to lose contact with them. If you're just starting out contracting and you need an accountant, or if you're fed up with your existing accountants then give SG a call.read moreread less
- Marco Jean Aboav12/12/2022I have been with SG for more than 5 years and I can freely say that their service is top notch: professional, no delays, they always find the time with short notice when I have questions. They truly understand their customers.read moreread lessDamien Stephens12/12/2022Exceptional service and very knowledgeable. Got me setup in no time and helped greatly with my tax and pension affairs as well. Very impressed and would highly recommendread moreread lessTim Caldicott10/12/2022Having used SG for over 15 years, I thoroughly recommend them. They're very professional, efficient and have kept my company accounts (and me!) "inline". They always send timely reminders to ensure all the necessary actions are taken - very useful when running your own business. They represent very good value for money for the complete range of services they provide. If you're looking for a good accountant, look no further.read moreread lessmark hew9/12/2022SG Accounting are a great team, always in hand to make tax related questions easy. I am 100% confident in them and would not look to go anywhere else. Thank you Sarah & Team.read moreread less
- Lesley Blankfield7/12/2022If you want a friendly, efficient and caring service from your accountant look no further. I have been a client of Stilwell Gray for almost 20 years and it has been a great relationship. They respond quickly to requests for advice and never miss a deadline. Highly recommended.read moreread lessparamjeet sodhi7/12/2022I was them over 3 year and the are lovely bunch of people. I have used them on two occasions and always find the team helpful especially Sarah. I wish them good luck and keep the service as is. Thanksread moreread lessSam6/12/2022I have been using SG since 2010 and they have been very helpful. They have a good team with deep knowledge and always respond quickly to any queries/issues.read moreread lessJohn Butt5/12/2022I moved from SJD accounting to SG last year and the difference in levels of service, efficiency and professional communications is like night and day. I'm having a really great experience with SG. What a relief after years of pain!read moreread less
- Tahir Rashid5/12/2022SG accounting have a superb team who make the whole world of accounting seem really easy, they have great knowledge and are extremely passionate about customer support. I've used them before when I was contracting and didn't hesitate to use them again, top top teamread moreread lessMahmoud Lababidi4/12/2022If you're looking for an accountant who handles your affairs (from accounts to personal tax returns, yearly reports and review of financial position...etc), very professionally and with genuine trustworthiness, then SG is the one for you. Had flawless service from them for over 2 years now and I don't think I will be going anywhere else anytime soon!!read moreread lessHugh Davey3/12/2021Good contractor accountant. You get a personal point of contact and an easy smart spreadsheet which you can use to track your business ins and outs, calculating what you can spend. Laura has always been very friendly, helpful and quick to reply to any questions even small ones, and the accounts team in general have been the sameread moreread lessPaul Denson3/12/2021Been with them for nearly two years and they've been professional, helpful and accurate. Thumbs up.read moreread less
- Maria Ball3/12/2021I found this accountant by chance when doing a Google search for more local contractor accountants, who also provide FreeAgent access. What a find! They may not have been as local as I was originally looking for, but their good reviews and impressive website were enough to tempt me to give them a call. Right from the very first contact with them, I have been nothing but impressed with their helpfulness and professionalism. We were assigned Laura to be our main contact. We had an initial Zoom video meeting with her, and any further questions have been dealt with really quickly by email. I've found Laura to be friendly, professional, knowledgeable, helpful and efficient. Nothing seems too much trouble, and I'm left feeling really confident that all of our accounting needs will be taken care of in the best possible way. We previously used a different contractor accountant for 8 years, and immediately after starting to use SG Accounting, it became apparent just how little help and support my previous accountant gave us over the years. They always used to make me feel like it was an inconvenience if I phoned them, and every service used to incur an extra add-on charge, such as incorporating a new company, having access to FreeAgent, using their business address, etc. Using SG Accounting has been like a breath of fresh air. There's a great support team, who all seem to be helpful and good at what they do. Everything we need is included in a set monthly price, so no hidden extras. All those things I used to pay extra for, and more, are now part of our package. It even includes a really good level of business insurance, so it works out cheaper than having to buy separate cover. All in all, a great success. I'm really glad to have found SG Accounting, and would wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone. And no, I haven't been paid for leaving this review, or been given any discounts with them. I just think this great business deserves recognition, and I wanted to share what my user experience has been like.read moreread lessK Bene3/12/2021I consider myself lucky to have come across SG Accounting by sheer chance. I was looking for a contractor in my area which is Reading and I looked on FreeAgent's website and I accidentally clicked on SG's contact details - who are definitely not even near Reading - and that's how I came into contact with them. They were so welcoming during the first conversation that I have decided to go with them and I am very pleased I did. Every person I have been in contact with so far have been wonderful and they all offer impeccable service. This is a rare treasure in today's world and if it was up to me I would set this as the gold standard for all companies and I'd refuse to do business with anyone not hitting this standard. I fear 90% of companies would not live up to this expectation... If all - or at least more companies operated like SG, the world would be a much more pleasant place. This is my genuine, unsolicited opinion and I can only wish to find service providers half this good in other walks of life as well. I am looking forward to continue working with the SG team.read moreread lessOliver Dunne3/12/2021I found Nadeem and his colleagues quickly respond to any questions,queries that I have had and have been very helpful. I would thoroughly recommend SG Accounting to anyone starting a business as it takes away the hassle of the bureaucracy and worries allowing more time to concentrate on other things .read moreread lessSam Lundqvist3/12/2021I have found SG Accounting very easy to work with, and the relationship has made managing my company efficient and straightforward.read moreread less
- Iryna Kostiuchenko3/12/2021I would recommend SG as a contractor accountant. Excellent customer service and very professional.read moreread lessElliot Herman3/12/2021I first started using this company back in 2009, and haven't regretted it for a second. My only regret is that I left the UK and had to close my UK Ltd company. Like everything else they've done for me over the years, they handled it swiftly and efficiently. I can't recommend them highly enough! Questions are answered quickly and fully, and often at unusual hours (in one case, I got a reply to an email at 3:30am, and when i asked him if he was working from abroad, he just explained that he couldn't sleep, so decided to do some work!). Until you've dealt with accountants in another country, you won't realise just how good SG are! I miss them so much. They're not the cheapest, but absolutely worth every penny.read moreread lessinternetoutcome3/12/2021Couldn’t recommend SG highly enough. They made my SE tax return process so easy and it was done in no time at all. Top marks.read moreread lessKonstantin K3/12/2021I have been working with SG for a few years now and I must say that they have proved themselves to be very professional and reliable. Laura is always very quick to respond to any request. Highly recommended!read moreread less
- Roland Swan3/12/2021I have now been with SG Accounting for 2 months and I do not regret the move. Their service so far has been prompt, clear, and accurate. Right from the first conversation with Laura I felt like I was in good hands, and Amanda has been a great support with any questions or guidance I might need as well. I would highly recommend SG Accounting to any other contractor looking for a reliable accountant.read moreread lessparesh chohan3/12/2020I have been contracting since 1996 and I have with Stilwell Gray from the start of my Contracting Career, they provide an exceptional personal service. So many questions at the start of my contracting transition and they helped me through all these hoops. I had the privilege of meeting Richard Stilwell one of the founders of Stilwell Gray and he was so helpful. I still continue to receive this service up to this day, I have been so impressed that I have recommended SG Accounting to several people and they are so pleased with the service. Long may it continue and I am so lucky I joined Stilwell Gray back in the day. Thank you all at SG Accounting for your support and contribution. Simply the Best.read moreread lessBecky John3/12/2020Fantastic support always from SG. Responsive, knowledgeable and nothing is too much trouble. I came to them via a recommendation and would recommend them to you, tooread moreread lessKsenia Belova3/12/2020I regularly recommend SG Contractor Accounting to my friends and colleagues, as I am continuously impressed with their service standard. My initial contact and in-person meeting with Dan set the scene for an efficient and supportive working relationship. The team is extremely responsive, professional, helpful and proactive. They have never failed to provide a prompt response to many of my ad hoc queries, and in addition are always proactive when time comes to returns or any other deadlines. The ability to use accounting software as part of some of the packages is extremely helpful as it links in with SG's own systems and means information flow is streamlined. I think the services is fantastic and great value for money and I have no desire to go anywhere else. Thanks SG Team!read moreread less
- John Hall3/12/2020Setting up my new venture was made so much easier by SG. From initial advice, through setting up the limited company, to getting my accounting package prepared and bank account set up. Now that I have been up an running for a while they have been a great support with the day to day issues, so that I can get on with MY businessread moreread lessPaul R3/12/2020I've been working with the SG Accounting team for a few years now. I was new to contracting & was quite daunted initially. Richard Murray was my initial point of contact and helped set up my business. Richard is very good at explaining things in a simple way. Their accountancy process is simple, and support for any queries is dealt with promptly.. I would personally recommend SG and Rich Murray, he's a very adept and professional. I look forward to continuing to work with you all. Thanks to the rest of the team.read moreread lessAndy Tuthill3/12/2020SG have been my accountant for over 20 years. I have seen them grow and develop into the amazing service they provide today. They still retain their personal service, and have always gone above and beyond to offer any additional assistance I needed. I have recommended SG to many colleagues and will continue to do so.read moreread lessBen Folwell3/12/2020Great hardworking team at SG. I've been contracting for the last couple of years and SG have helped brilliantly with not just the day to day running of the company but also the advice and help to set the company up initially. I would happily recommend SG to any colleagues requiring accounting services. Their fixed price model is very handy for controlling accounting costs. Rich Murray has been great with any queries I have and is always on hand to offer advice and support when I need it. Face to face meetings conducted in the pub always go down well. Rich however, never forgets when it's my round!read moreread less
- Little Letty3/12/2020I have been really happy with SG. They were recommended by a friend, and have been excellent. They always respond to questions quickly and are all really helpful and friendly.read moreread lessLakhbir Badeshia3/12/2020I found SG Accounting to be extremely structured in their overall approach. The service they offer is very good as they not only have robust processes to support you but they have a good breadth of skillset to cover both accounting, tax and legal related discussions. All of this coupled with online tools makes them a very good firm to support you. On the whole I would very much recommend their services.read moreread lessYosef Tilahun3/12/2020I just wanted to share a quick note and let you know that you guys do a really good job. I’m glad I decided to work with you. I can confidently say that I experienced the very best accounting service at SG Accounting service. It’s great how easy your spreadsheet is to update and manage. I never have any problem at all. What a remarkable staff member you have. You have a customer for life! Please keep up the great work. Yosef T.read moreread lessJon L3/12/2020I've been with SG for about 22 years now, I initially dealt with Sarah and Richard directly, but SG have grown a lot in recent times. I have recommended them to many colleagues and they remain good value, offering a timely, personal service.read moreread less
- Nadine Appiah3/12/2020I have recently joined the contracting world and was referred by a colleague to SG Accounting. My experience to date has been effortless. From the very introductory phone call to the team in Hampshire and meeting Laura (my personal accountant) in London. All my worries were taken care off. SG took control of the full set up and promptly responded all emails. I will most definitely refer SG to any contractor looking for a 1st class front to back service. I cannot thank you enough.read moreread lessGuy Hanson3/12/2020The team at SG are very helpful and knowledgeable. From the outset, they have covered all of my company financial requirements and have assisted with personal tax too. SG was recommended to me and I can do the same.read moreread lessDavid Cox3/12/2020Very happy with SG's knowledge and service. Highly recommended!!!read moreread lessAdrian3/12/2020To get started, I was offered a face to face introductory meeting with Laura, my Account Manager, but as I was very busy I couldn't fit this into my diary so we did this by phone instead. Laura helpfully answered the questions I had about how I should operate tax efficiently and some other queries I had. Since then, all I've had to do is keep track of my invoices and bank account entries in Free Agent and SG take care of everything from there. Any further questions I have had have been answered very quickly. It all couldn't be easier and I can highly recommend SG.read moreread less
- Hannah Wilkinson3/12/2020An excellent service, with very helpful staff who are always on hand to promptly answer my questions and get the job done. I had no idea what to expect when I first started contracting but the guys at SG made it easy and took care of everything for me. I would highly recommend their services to any contractor currently looking for an accountancy firm.read moreread lessSara Hearne3/12/2020I couldn’t recommend SG Accounting Winchester enough. There is no question about their professionalism, knowledge and friendly service. Since joining SG Accounting I can confidently say that I am now in tune with my business accounts and have benefited from the proactive (rather reactive) advice and service which they provide. It’s reassuring to know that the SG team are always on hand and happy to help with any accounting enquiry big or small. Having peace of mind on your business accounts is priceless... thank you SG Accounting!read moreread lessAndrew Faiers3/12/2020I have been using SG Accountants for over 2 years and from the first introductory meeting with Dan the service has been excellent. I have been really impressed with the professional, helpful and friendly approach made by all members of the team. All questions and queries have always been dealt with promptly, often on the same day which highlights their positive approach to clients. I will not be looking elsewhere!read moreread lessDerren Cooke3/12/2020I have been using SG contractor accounting for about 10 years now, I don't feel the need to go anywhere else as I always get great service and advice when needed. Even though I have seen the company grow they haven't lost that personal touch. They are very efficient in what they do which let's me get on with what I am good at. I am hoping for many more years of top quality service from them. I can highly recommend.read moreread less
