Industry News Articles

HMRC’s Check Employment Status for Tax (CEST) tool has been a touchy subject for contractors that want to find out if they will be inside or outside IR35. 

The online tool was first introduced in 2017 to help contractors and their engagers judge employment status for tax purposes and, ultimately, how a contractor will be taxed.

The service asks a series of questions based on key legal criteria. It helps provide a judgement in most straightforward cases, with assistance in more complex cases available through a handbook and the HMRC call centre.

Contractors praying for a delay to IR35 changes in the private sector will be disappointed by the Chancellor’s budget statement yesterday, but there were several positives that we can take away as well.

Limited company contractor that are caught under IR35 arrangements may need to act quickly if they want to close their companies and make the most of lucrative tax incentives.

If they wish to continue working flexibly, these contractors will also need to think carefully about how they offer their services, according to Umbrella.co.uk Director Miles Grady.

“Because we offer limited company support, umbrella payment solutions and a business liquidation service, we are in the best position to help a growing group of customers that have been caught out by IR35,” Miles Grady said.

Half of all contractors plan to leave their posts ahead of scheduled changes to the way that IR35 ‘off-payroll’ rules are applied in the private sector.

Changes to the off-payroll rules are due to take effect in April, when large and medium sized companies will be made responsible for judging a contractor’s employment status and potentially subtracting income tax and national insurance from their monthly pay.