IR35

IR35 is tax legislation that was introduced in 2000 in an attempt to prevent ‘disguised employment’. In simple terms, IR35 rules were designed to stop contractors who work through their own limited company paying less tax, when their working arrangement reflects employment and they should be taxed as an employee.

There are many different factors to consider when setting IR35 status, which is why it can be difficult to make a decision without expert help. Because contractors working inside IR35 are taxed at a similar rate to an employee, it’s crucial that you are confident in your status and are paying the right amount of tax.  

Contractors working outside IR35, on the other hand, are considered genuinely self-employed, meaning they can continue to pay themselves marginally more tax efficiently.

If you’re a contractor and work through your own limited company or partnership, you need to be aware of IR35 and to a certain extent, clued up on IR35 reform.

Up until 2017, contractors had the power to set their own IR35 status in the public sector. However, HMRC believed contractors were abusing the rules and deliberately avoiding tax, so introduced reform. This handed public sector clients the power to set IR35 status, meaning that contractors are no longer able to decide whether the service they provide to businesses is a genuinely self-employed one or resembles employment. From April 2020, this will also be the case in the private sector.  

As a result of IR35 changes, contractors often seek professional advice, which can be vital when safeguarding status or even challenging and overturning inaccurate decisions made by clients.

It is not illegal to operate within the scope of the legislation, but it is less financially rewarding, and failure to pay your taxes correctly as per the IR35 legislation could result in paying backdated taxes, plus interest and a potential penalty, if ever investigated by HMRC.

If any contractor receives a letter or correspondence from HMRC they are unsure of and are concerned that they may be at risk of an IR35 enquiry, we encourage they pick up the phone to us and we will support you.

Our contractor customers can make use of unlimited IR35 contract reviews, which we’re able to offer as part of our close relationship with Qdos Contractor. You can also benefit from expert advice, representation in the event of an enquiry from HMRC and IR35 insurance for peace of mind.

Qdos review, on average, over 500 contracts every month, have defended more than 1,500 contractors and have saved independent workers approximately £35m in tax. If you’re confused or concerned about IR35, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with one of our experts.