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The government has announced that the IR35 reform is to be postponed until 2021 due to the current Coronavirus situation.

This delay comes as part of a broader plan to bolster the UK economy against the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, niche contractor insurance broker and employment status specialist Larsen Howie is urging contractors, recruiters and employers not to halt plans to prepare for changes.

Commenting on the delay, Andy Vessey, Head of Tax at Larsen Howie, said, “The government’s decision is clearly the right one to make during this time of social and economic upheaval. IR35 is the least of this country’s problems at the moment so it is correct to put it on the back burner. Given though, that end clients and recruiters have now another 12 months to prepare, I would expect the 12 month soft landing assurance previously promised for this year to be withdrawn when the reform is implemented in April 2021, particularly as there will be a need to recoup as much tax revenue as possible to repair the huge dent in the Treasury’s coffers caused by Covid-19. In other words, the market has twelve months to get this right. After that, there will be strict enforcement.”

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Vessey added, “For those contractors that were concerned that HMRC might take retrospective action, all bets are off now until 6th April 2021. Anyone who has received an ‘inside-IR35’ status determination, having previously self-assessed themselves as outside and which HMRC may have now caught wind of, may now find the Revenue using this time to target them over the next 12 months. We may well also see HMRC IR35 compliance activity ramped up in 2020/21 because of the fact that anticipated PAYE & NIC receipts arising out of the operation of the off-payroll rules will need to be recovered elsewhere. Contractors should therefore ensure they work with end-clients and recruiters to change their working practices, have tax fee protection or, even better, tax loss insurance in place for such an eventuality.

“End clients and recruiters should certainly not take their foot off the pedal but maintain their momentum to be well prepared for the inevitable on 6th April 2021, working to embed new tools and working practices across the entire supply chain.

“Additionally, it will be interesting to see if those larger firms that have somewhat arbitrarily imposed blanket bans on PSCs, use the extra time and pressures on their business to take a more informed and balanced approach that uses the various assessment tools and insurance solutions out there to protect their risk without unnecessarily increasing their costs or ability to deliver projects. Use this time wisely and productively.”

To find out more about contracting please contact Jaime on 01442 795 100 or email jaime.thorpe@dolanaccountancy.com.

Why Thousands of Contractors Choose Dolan Accountancy

With over 25 years experience in contractor accountancy helping thousands of contractors, freelancers and the self employed, Dolan Accountancy has the specialist skills, reputation and credibility you can trust.

Working closely with our sister company, Contractor Umbrella, it means we can offer one low cost, fixed fee package at £105 + VAT. This gives you the flexibility of using both our Limited Company Accountancy Services and our award winning Umbrella Service, for one inclusive cost.

If you’d like to find out more about how Dolan Accountancy can help you and your business, please give us a call on 01442 795 100 or email sophie.lewis@dolanaccountancy.com or jaime.thorpe@dolanaccountancy.com.

We don’t believe in tiered packages or hidden extra fees, instead we aim to give you everything you need, including:

  • Free Company Formation – This is where it all begins. Once you have decided on an available name, we will form your company free of charge (if using our accountancy services) and it will be ready for you to use in as little as three hours
  • Free use of Contractor Umbrella – With IR35 Legislation changes we understand that sometimes you are required to contract via an umbrella company. We will keep your limited company ticking over, while you work margin free via our sister company, Contractor Umbrella
  • A Dedicated Accountant – Your accountant will be there for any company or personal tax advice that you require. We will never outsource work, even to internal teams
  • Free Access to FreeAgent – We offer all of our clients access to FreeAgent, free of charge
  • Free Business Banking – We have decided to waive our commission so our clients can use Tide free of charge for the first year
  • Unlimited IR35 Status Reviews – We will review all of your contracts for IR35 purposes and provide you with our professional opinion as to its status
  • Free Registered and Director’s Service Office Address – Sometimes you just don’t want your home address on display at Companies House. When you sign up to our accountancy services, we will offer the use of our address as an alternative
  • Your Business and Personal Taxation Needs – This includes Company Accounts, Director’s Personal Tax Return, VAT Returns, Payroll, Corporation Tax and Dividend advice, to name just a few
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