As a result of announcements made during the last Budget, contractors will have to potentially negotiate four pieces of new tax legislation. Here we set out the main aims of each tax proposal, stripped of as much jargon as possible. … [more]

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Our site provides all the information, tools and resources you'll need to operate a successful professional contracting business - whether you're thinking of taking the plunge, or even if you're a seasoned pro.
Latest Articles
Pre-employment screening – the lowdown
Many clients carry out a series of checks on contractors before offering them a new role. With the help of an expert, we look at what pre-employment screening involves, and how it may affect you. … [more]
What is depreciation, and how will it affect your accounts?
Depreciation is the accounting term for the devaluation of assets over time. Here we look at how any assets you may buy (such as a new server or PC) are treated for tax purposes in your company accounts. … [more]
2016 dividend tax hit likely to be worse than many expected
Limited company contractors will already be aware that dividends are set to be taxed more heavily from April 2016, however details of the proposed tax hike were ambiguous when first announced during the summer Budget. It now appears that the tax hit … [more]
Contractor or freelancer? What’s the difference?
Over the past decade, the growing needs of businesses to hire flexible workers, coupled with the massive communication benefits provided by the web, has resulted in a freelancing boom in the UK. … [more]
IR35 – proving you have the right to provide a substitute
An IR35 expert answers our questions on the 'Right of Substitution' - considered to be the most important test in determining employment status. It is also a topic which generates more questions from contractors than almost any other. … [more]
How to boost your contracting LinkedIn profile
In this article, a recruitment expert explains why LinkedIn has become such an essential tool for contractors and recruiters alike, and what you can do to improve your online profile so your details rank highly in agency search results. … [more]
Annual Return filing for limited company contractors
If you run a limited company, once every year you must update Companies House with a snapshot of information relating to your company's affairs. This is achieved via the Annual Return form (AR01). … [more]
Successful contracting – how to maintain your accounting records
Keeping accurate accounting records is an essential task for every successful contractor. Not only can you ensure that you stay on the right side of the taxman, but you should also be able to see exactly what your financial situation is at any moment … [more]
What to do with your limited company if you go on a career break
It is not unusual for contractors to take time out, either for an extended holiday, to carry out a period of research and training, or if new work is hard to find. You may even have decided to take a permanent job. So, what should you do with your … [more]