
With costs rising across the board, it makes sense to review your business outlays. Accountancy fees are one of the regular costs that most limited company directors can’t avoid. [more]
IT Contractor Essentials
Practical guides, calculators, industry news and advice to help you set up and run a professional contracting business.
Read our step-by-step setup guide, with everything from navigating IR35 to submitting your first invoice.
Read the 10-Step Guide →By Elaine Clark | Last updated:

With costs rising across the board, it makes sense to review your business outlays. Accountancy fees are one of the regular costs that most limited company directors can’t avoid. [more]
By James Leckie | Last updated:

VA We all have causes close to our hearts, and if you are contracting through a limited company, you can factor in donations to charity as part of your overall tax planning strategy. … [more]
By James Leckie | Last updated:

Salary sacrifice is a popular option for contractors who want to reduce their taxable income while gaining access to non-cash benefits. It is mainly used to make tax-efficient pension contributions. … [more]
By Christian Hickmott | Last updated:

The government is consulting on new reporting requirements for close companies, focused on how small limited companies report payments, loans and other transfers of value involving their shareholders (‘participators’). … [more]
By Kerry Newman | Last updated:

A company can still pay dividends even if it has made a loss in the current year, provided it has sufficient retained profits in its accounts. … [more]
By James Leckie | Last updated:

On 6th April 2026, the joint and several liability (JSL) rules for umbrella company supply chains took effect. … [more]
By James Leckie | Last updated:

If you are closing down your limited company - due to retirement, a career change, or the impact of the Off-Payroll (IR35) rules - you may be able to reduce the tax you pay on the funds you extract. This is where Business Asset Disposal Relief (BADR) … [more]
By James Leckie | Last updated:

Employers, employees, and the self-employed pay National Insurance Contributions. What NI rates do contractors pay in 2026/27? … [more]
By James Leckie | Last updated:

A professional review can help establish whether a contract falls inside the scope of the IR35 rules, and also support a contractor to challenge a client's status decision under the off-payroll rules. … [more]
By James Leckie | Last updated:

There are two main ways to maximise your take-home pay as a contractor: negotiate a strong contract rate in the first place and structure your income efficiently … [more]