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 →
Many contractors take time out at some stage. It might be for travel, family reasons, training, or because the market has gone quiet. Some decide to take a permanent job for a while, with the option of returning to contracting later. … [more]
The number of umbrella company workers in the UK has increased substantially over the past 15 years. In this guide, we track the estimated number over time. … [more]
When you work through an umbrella company in the UK, you are an employee for tax purposes. This means you must pay income tax and National Insurance contributions on your earnings. … [more]
A guide to the Financial Service Compensation Scheme, whether you bank personally, as a sole trader, or as a limited company. … [more]
DBS Checks, also known as Police Checks. Why do contractors need such Criminal Record Checks? … [more]
Some contractor accountants specialise in IR35 and can give useful advice on the rules. However, your accountant cannot influence your IR35 status simply by structuring your company or accounts in a particular way. … [more]
One of the biggest sources of confusion for new umbrella company users is how contractor pay rates are quoted. Does your rate include ’employment costs’, and if so, what does this mean? Are some unscrupulous providers misleading about the so-called … [more]
Contracting as an IT project manager for the last two years has not been easy. Economic and political instability has caused hiring freezes and project delays. So, what does the market look like over the year ahead? … [more]
There may be a time when you need to borrow money from your own limited company. Here we look at how director's loans are treated, and how you could face a hefty tax bill if you don't plan any cash advances properly. … [more]
Many contractors travel by car for business, visiting client sites or attending conferences and training sessions. However, when it comes to claiming tax relief for the costs of these journeys, the rules can be confusing. … [more]
