Malcolm ZoppiTue Oct 17 2023

Expert Advice: How to Be Outside IR35 – How to Avoid IR35

Understanding IR35 rules is crucial for contractors, freelancers, and self-employed individuals to avoid being caught by these regulations.
The concept of mutuality of obligation and being named in the contract are important factors in determining your IR35 status.

how to be outside ir35 - how to avoid ir35

If you’re a contractor, freelancer, or self-employed individual, you might be concerned about the impact of IR35 regulations on your work. These rules, which determine whether you’re inside or outside of IR35, came into effect in April 2021 and have caused confusion and uncertainty for many in the industry. However, with the right knowledge and strategies, you can effectively avoid being caught by IR35 and remain outside its scope.

In this section, our experts will provide invaluable advice on how to be outside IR35 and navigate the complex regulations. We will discuss the key IR35 rules that you need to be aware of, including the concept of mutuality of obligation and being named in the contract. We’ll explore HMRC’s perspective on working practices and the importance of having the right to substitute. Our top tips will help you to strengthen your position outside IR35, and we’ll stress the importance of having your contract reviewed by an expert and working for multiple clients.

Key Takeaways

  • Understanding IR35 rules is crucial for contractors, freelancers, and self-employed individuals to avoid being caught by these regulations.
  • The concept of mutuality of obligation and being named in the contract are important factors in determining your IR35 status.
  • Having the right to substitute and working for multiple clients can strengthen your position outside IR35.
  • Consulting with an expert and having your contract reviewed can help you navigate the complex world of IR35.
  • Staying informed and proactive is key to ensure a successful and compliant contracting career.

Understanding IR35 Status and Working Practices

As a contractor or freelancer in the private sector, it is crucial to understand your IR35 status and the factors that contribute to it. Being inside IR35 can lead to IR35 investigations and significant financial repercussions, so it is important to clarify your working relationship with your clients.

The first step in determining your employment status is to assess your working arrangements with your client. The private sector off-payroll working rules, commonly known as IR35, apply to individuals who provide their services through a personal service company (PSC), but who would be considered an employee if they were providing those same services directly to the client. This means that if HMRC deems you to be inside IR35, you could be liable for tax and national insurance contributions as an employee would be.

The working relationship between you and your client is a crucial factor in your IR35 status. It is important to ensure that your contract accurately reflects your working relationship and that you are not under the control of your client in the same way as an employee. If you are required to provide services personally, rather than being able to send a substitute, this is indicative of a personal service relationship, which could place you inside IR35.

Using an umbrella company or working through a limited company can also impact your IR35 status. An umbrella company is an employer that facilitates your contract work, whereas a limited company contractor is considered self-employed. Depending on your working practices, one option may be more beneficial than the other, but it is important to consider the tax and national insurance implications of each.

Inside IR35Outside IR35
Employment status: deemed to be an employee of the clientEmployment status: not deemed to be an employee of the client
Personal service relationship: required to provide services personallyCan send a substitute to provide services
Tax and national insurance contributions: deducted at source by the client or umbrella companyTax and national insurance contributions: paid by the individual as self-employed

In summary, understanding your IR35 status and the working practices that contribute to it is crucial for contractors and freelancers in the private sector. By assessing your working arrangements with your clients, considering your options for working through an umbrella or limited company, and maintaining compliance with tax and national insurance contributions, you can help ensure that you remain outside IR35 and avoid any potential HMRC investigations.

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Strategies to Stay Outside IR35 and Ensure Compliance

Contractors who want to avoid being caught by IR35 regulations must take proactive measures to stay compliant. In this section, we will provide strategies to help you stay outside IR35 and maintain compliance.

Substitution

One of the most important factors in determining your IR35 status is whether you have the right to substitute yourself with another person to do the work. If you have this right, you are more likely to be considered outside IR35 as it shows a lack of personal service. Ensure that the substitution clause is included in your contract and that it is not merely a token gesture.

Working Hours

Another way to demonstrate that you are outside IR35 is by having control over your working hours. As a contractor, you should have the freedom to decide when, where, and how you work. Ensure that your contract reflects this and avoid being dictated by your client.

Business Cards and Freelancing

Being able to demonstrate that you operate as a business can significantly strengthen your position outside IR35. Use business cards and letterheads that reflect your limited company. Also, consider working as a freelancer for multiple clients, as this indicates that you are not under the client’s control and that you are offering your services to the open market.

New Contract Considerations

When entering into a new contract, consider carefully the terms and conditions, particularly regarding holiday pay, financial risk, and sick pay. These should be clearly defined and provisions should be made to ensure you are protected as much as possible.

Small Businesses and Limited Company Contractors

Small businesses and limited company contractors need to take extra care to ensure that they are outside IR35. Consult with experts, and have your contract reviewed by an expert to ensure compliance. Additionally, make sure you are paying the right amount of tax and national insurance contributions to avoid an IR35 investigation.

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By following these strategies, you can stay outside IR35 and maintain compliance. Remember that being proactive and informed is essential for a successful and compliant contracting career.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is important for contractors who work in the public sector to understand their working arrangements and their contractor’s IR35 status. IR35 won’t apply to every contractor, but with the introduction of ‘off-payroll working’, it is vital to ensure compliance and mitigate the risk of HMRC investigations.

By following the strategies outlined in this article, contractors can stay outside IR35 and maintain compliance. It is recommended to have a clear substitution clause in your contract and to review working hours and the use of business cards. When navigating new contracts, it is important to consider factors such as holiday pay, financial risk, and sick pay.

Limited company contractors should also be aware of the impact on tax and national insurance contributions. Small businesses should take note of the implications and relevance of substitution clauses.

Staying informed and proactive is key to ensure a successful and compliant contracting career. By taking the necessary steps to stay outside IR35, contractors can continue to work with confidence and avoid any potential legal or financial consequences.

FAQ

How can I ensure I am outside IR35 and avoid IR35 regulations?

To ensure you are outside IR35 and avoid IR35 regulations, it is important to understand and comply with the key rules. This includes considering factors such as mutuality of obligation and being named in the contract. It is also advisable to have your contract reviewed by an expert and work for multiple clients to strengthen your position outside IR35.

What are the key IR35 rules that came into effect in April 2021?

The key IR35 rules that came into effect in April 2021 include the concept of mutuality of obligation and being named in the contract. These rules play a significant role in determining employment status and whether someone falls within the scope of IR35 regulations.

What is HMRC’s perspective on working practices?

HMRC considers working practices to be a crucial factor in determining employment status and whether someone falls within IR35 regulations. They analyse various aspects such as control, supervision, and the right to substitute when assessing the working relationship between a contractor and a client.

How important is having the right to substitute?

Having the right to substitute is an important factor in determining employment status and whether someone falls within IR35 regulations. If you have the right to provide a substitute to fulfill your obligations under a contract, it can strengthen your position outside IR35.

Can working for multiple clients help me be outside IR35?

Yes, working for multiple clients can help you be outside IR35. Having a diverse client base demonstrates that you are in business on your own account and not dependent on a single client, which strengthens your position outside IR35.

What should I do if I am investigated for IR35?

If you are investigated for IR35, it is important to seek professional advice and cooperate with HMRC. Having a strong understanding of the rules and ensuring your working practices align with being outside IR35 can help support your case during an investigation.

What are the potential consequences of being caught inside IR35?

The potential consequences of being caught inside IR35 include having to pay additional tax and national insurance contributions, as well as potential penalties and interest. It is important to accurately determine your employment status and take steps to be outside IR35 to avoid these consequences.

What is the difference between working as a freelancer and working through an umbrella company or limited company?

Working as a freelancer means you are self-employed and responsible for managing your own taxes and national insurance contributions. Working through an umbrella company or limited company involves different employment arrangements, such as being employed by the umbrella company or being a director of your own limited company, which can have different tax and national insurance implications.

How can I stay compliant with IR35 regulations?

To stay compliant with IR35 regulations, it is important to understand the rules and ensure your working practices align with being outside IR35. This may involve seeking professional advice, reviewing and updating your contracts, and maintaining accurate records. Staying informed and proactive is key to ensuring compliance.

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Disclaimer: This document has been prepared for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal or financial advice. You should always seek independent professional advice and not rely on the content of this document as every individual circumstance is unique. Additionally, this document is not intended to prejudge the legal, financial or tax position of any person.

Disclaimer: This document has been prepared for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal or financial advice. You should always seek independent professional advice and not rely on the content of this document as every individual circumstance is unique. Additionally, this document is not intended to prejudge the legal, financial or tax position of any person.

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Get the specialist support you need

Whether you require specialised knowledge for your business or personal affairs, Zoppi & Co can support you.