
Umbrella companies have flourished over the past 15+ years and can offer many contractors a ‘hassle-free’ business structure to contract under. Here, we provide a 10-step walkthrough of how umbrella companies work. … [more]
IT Contractor Essentials
Read our step-by-step setup guide, with everything from navigating IR35 to submitting your first invoice.
Read the 10-Step Guide →By James Leckie | Last updated:

Umbrella companies have flourished over the past 15+ years and can offer many contractors a ‘hassle-free’ business structure to contract under. Here, we provide a 10-step walkthrough of how umbrella companies work. … [more]
By James Leckie | Last updated:

During your life as a contractor, there may be a time when you need to relocate to take up a new contracting role. You may be able to offset many of your relocation costs against your limited company's tax bill. … [more]
By James Leckie | Last updated:

From the 2025/26 tax year onwards, directors and shareholders of many small limited companies face new reporting requirements when completing their Self-Assessment tax returns. … [more]
By James Leckie | Last updated:

In most cases, extracting profits from a company by distributing dividends to shareholders is straightforward. But what happens if you mistakenly declare dividends that exceed the company's available profits? This guide explains how this can … [more]
By James Leckie | Last updated:

Among critics of the IR35 off-payroll legislation (and there are many), few topics are more contentious than CEST – the official online tool designed to help determine employment status. … [more]
By James Leckie | Last updated:

With the tax gap between limited company owners and employees substantially reduced by increases in corporate and dividend taxes, why do policymakers not account for the additional costs that contractors bear relative to employees? … [more]
By James Leckie | Last updated:

If you receive services or perks from your company on top of your salary, they may count as benefits in kind and be taxable. This guide explains how common benefits are taxed, what your company must report, and the mistakes directors often make. … [more]
By James Leckie | Last updated:

LinkedIn is where clients and agencies look first when they want contract talent. If your profile is thin, dated or inconsistent, you are far less likely to make the first shortlist. … [more]
By James Leckie | Last updated:

If you’re self-employed, run your own company, or have other income that HMRC needs to know about, you’ll need to complete a Self Assessment tax return each year. … [more]
By Daniel Mepham | Last updated:

There may come a time when you decide that you no longer need your limited company. Here, a leading accountant explains the procedures you must follow when shutting down your business. … [more]