Compliance Articles

New tax avoidance risk tool for umbrella contractors
marketing | 25 November 2021
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HMRC has launched a new tool to help contractors assess whether thei

Set up new hotline to report dodgy umbrella companies, HMRC told

The REC, which represents professional recruiters in the UK, has called on HMRC to set up a hotline to allow workers to report bad practices by umbrella companies.

After recent reports of unscrupulous behaviour by some umbrella companies, the recruitment body joined several politicians in calling for tough new action to protect workers.

How to choose a compliant umbrella company
marketing | 26 March 2021
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Stricter IR35 rules mean that many limited company contractors are looking to switch to an umbrella working model.

Joining an umbrella company means that you pay tax at the same level as an ‘inside IR35’ limited company contractor, while also benefiting from holiday and sick pay entitlement.

When you choose an umbrella company, it’s imperative that you choose a compliant provider. Not doing your research at an early stage could cost you in the long run.

Umbrella compliance has hit headlines recently after HMRC warned contractors about a number of schemes offering higher than average rates of take home pay.

Take Home Pay Umbrella Companies

The government has issued a warning about agencies and umbrella companies that claim to be able to help you save on tax and boost your take home pay.

Although everything may look legitimate and above board, these companies actually run tax avoidance schemes that could land you with a bigger tax bill and penalties, HMRC said.

The ‘too good to be true’ schemes work in different ways, but operators usually promise to reduce your tax liability and help you keep more of your income.

Businesses: Don’t get stung by GDPR
marketing | 27 April 2018
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On May 25th 2018 a new EU regulation could mean big fines for businesses of all sizes if they don’t follow new personal data and privacy rules.  

General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) will replace the 1995 Data Protection Directive and will restrict the way that businesses collect, store and export personal data.

This includes data held on customers, potential customers, suppliers, employees and any other EU residents.

 

Most SMEs still not IR35 compliant
marketing | 8 September 2021
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A survey has revealed that more than half of the UK’s small and medium-sized enterprises haven’t introduced formal IR35 processes five months after a major rules shake up.

Calls to regulate ‘cartel’ umbrella companies
marketing | 28 May 2021
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Industry experts have called on the government to regulate the ‘cartel-like’ umbrella market.

Former senior policy advisor to the Treasury, Rebecca Seeley Harris, and offpayroll.org founder James Poyser argue that urgent action is needed to stop scandalous companies ripping off workers and bringing the sector into disrepute. 

Umbrella.co.uk has become an APSCo Trusted Partner

Nick Holmes, CEO at Umbrella.co.uk, said: “We are proud and excited to announce our membership status move to Trusted Partner is now complete.”

 

APSCo (Association of Professional Staffing Companies) is the regulatory body for recruitment businesses and as a Trusted Partner, Umbrella.co.uk is monitored and regulated by APSCo’s guidance. All members commit to a strict Code of Conduct and pass an external quality check with clients and candidates.

BBC Presenter Forced to Use PSC
marketing | 10 May 2018
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Joanna Gosling is the latest BBC presenter to complain that the public service broadcaster forced her to operate through a limited company, exposing her to HMRC legal action.

Alongside BBC colleagues David Eades and Tim Willcox, Gosling is appealing against a £920,000 tax bill, which HMRC argues is owed in back income tax and National Insurance contributions.

HMRC claims that the presenters were within the IR35 rules and operating in ‘disguised employment’.

The court heard that the three presenters were “pushed by the BBC” into creating the personal service companies. These companies allowed the corporation to avoid paying employers’ National Insurance contributions and came with very few benefits.

 

The new Tax Evasion Legislation for Recruitment Agencies
To prevent tax evasion, the new tax law makes recruiters criminally responsible.
 
Following on from recent tax scandals, including the Panama Papers and various loan write-off schemes, a new corporate “failure to prevent” offence is being introduced from 30th September with a severe penalty regime that should make all agencies sit up and take note.
 
With unlimited fines and the possibility of a criminal record a clear target is being painted on the backs of any part of the staffing supply chain that isn’t compliant. Of vital importance is the fact that an agency can be convicted even if no intent is established and the agency has not benefited financially from the arrangement.
 
 
 
 

 

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