Here is a list of the Top 10 most commonly asked questions by umbrella company employees, based on our experiences of working with umbrella providers (and contractors) over the past 10 years.
Umbrella Companies
Virtually all IT contractors work via limited or umbrella companies. In this section, we explore how PAYE umbrella schemes work.
- Find out what a PAYE umbrella company does.
- Why you should be cautious when reading umbrella company reviews.
- How much do the leading umbrella companies charge?
- The pros and cons of using an umbrella company.
- Why the scope for claiming umbrella company expenses has narrowed due to the SDC rules
- Which structure is best for you? Limited or Umbrella?
- Umbrella company comparison - 15 top tips
5 essential tips to help you find the best umbrella
- Don't focus purely on the weekly cost. Good customer service and communication skills are just as important. Ask other contractors for recommendations if you're looking for a new provider.
- Only sign-up to a UK-based PAYE umbrella. Never use offshore payment tax avoidance schemes.
- The only difference between take home pay quotes between umbrella companies should be the margin (fee) they charge.
- If you're caught by the Off-Payroll (IR35) rules, consider a flexible umbrella/limited model of working, so you can switch between the two with ease. Most leading accountants/umbrellas offer this service.
- Find a trusted umbrella in our umbrella directory.
Umbrella company contractors – what is the Apprenticeship Levy?
If you’re working through an umbrella company, you may have noticed deductions on your payslip for the Apprenticeship Levy. Here we explain what this charge is, and how it is calculated.
National Insurance hike – double pain for umbrella company contractors
The planned April 2022 National Insurance 1.25% hike will be painful for almost everyone in employment. But, not for the first time, umbrella company workers are in line for more pain than most.
Limited company or PAYE umbrella – advantages and disadvantages
Almost all contractors who provide professional services to clients trade via their own limited companies, or join a PAYE umbrella. Here we’ve compiled a table to help compare the pros and cons of each structure.
Umbrella company expenses – what can you claim for?
If you are working via an umbrella company, you may incur a variety of business expenses during the course of your work. Here we look at how expenses are treated for tax purposes.
How to spot the worst umbrella companies
In an unregulated industry, how can contractors keep away from dodgy operators? We look at how to identify the worst umbrella companies.
Why am I paying Employers’ National Insurance as an umbrella contractor?
The number one question many umbrella companies are asked by their employees is: “why am I paying employers’ national insurance contributions?” – here we provide the answer and explain what other costs are payable by umbrella contractors.
Umbrella companies and holiday pay – how is it calculated?
If you decide to contract via an umbrella company, you will be entitled to receive holiday pay (as an employee of the company). Here we look at what holiday pay is, and how it is calculated.
Advantages and disadvantages of using an umbrella company
There are a number of pros and cons to consider if you’re contemplating joining an umbrella company. Here, we look at the main advantages and disadvantages of becoming an umbrella employee.
Umbrella companies – IR35 and the off-payroll working rules
With the private sector off-payroll rules due to hit the contracting sector in April 2021, an industry expert explains what PAYE umbrella companies can offer contractors caught by the changes, and why you should watch out for unscrupulous operators.