Limited Company or Umbrella – which is the right choice for you?

Guide for freelancers and contractors: Limited Company, Umbrella, or Sole Trader – which is the right choice for you? No matter how long you’ve been contracting, maximising your take home pay is likely to be high on your priority list. To get the best experience of contracting it’s a good idea to select one of […]
Five reasons to be your own boss in 2016

Be your own boss in 2016 With the recent announcements in this year’s Autumn Statement (or lack of them!), the future of contracting is appearing to be more attractive than ever. So why should you consider contracting in 2016? Here we explore the professional and personal benefits you can gain by contracting with our […]
Can I get a mortgage as a contractor?

Can I get a mortgage as a contractor? As a contractor, one of the most commonly asked questions is whether or not it is possible to secure a mortgage. Quite understandably, many contractors are unsure as to what their position is, given the fact that they’re not in permanent employment. It’s common knowledge that it’s […]
Claiming Christmas expenses through your Limited Company

Claiming Christmas expenses through your Limited Company Can I claim Christmas party expenses through my Limited Company? The interest-free sofa adverts have started and the supermarkets are full of advent calendars, yes you’ve guessed it, it’s now officially Christmas. If you’re currently contracting within a corporate environment the annual Christmas party is probably a hot […]
Understanding the Self-Assessment Tax Return

Understanding the Self-Assessment Tax Return We don’t like to be a scrooge here at Intouch, but after the Christmas festivities have ended it’ll be time for you to submit your Self-Assessment Tax Return (SATR). After all the Christmas chocolates have gone and the New Year celebrations seem like a distant memory, you will need to take […]
Contracting the key to a successful and family-friendly career

Contracting: the key to a successful and family-friendly career Over the last month, I have been exploring the subject of women in contracting in conjunction with IPSE, the Association of Independent Professionals and the Self Employed (formerly PCG). The four-part series ran on the IPSE website and, I hope, has given a confidence boost to […]
Supervision, direction or control (SDC)

Supervision, direction or control (SDC) Announcements in the Summer Budget 2015 shook the contracting world, with particular focus on supervision, direction or control (SDC). It’s now key to the proposals used in the consultation to revise Travel and Subsistence and in the discussion document on revisions to IR35. SDC is clearly becoming the key focus […]
Flat Rate VAT Scheme for contractors explained

Flat Rate VAT Scheme for contractors explained Once a business reaches a turnover of £82,000 within a twelve month period, it is a legal requirement to register for VAT and subsequently, charge VAT (20%). Businesses who are registered for VAT must charge this to their clients and customers (most commonly at a rate of 20% […]
Thinking of contracting or freelancing? Which trading model is right for you?

Limited, Umbrella or Sole Trader? Are you thinking about making the move away from permanent employment to set up as a contractor? Sole Trader, an Umbrella or Limited Company? What’s the difference and which is best for you? Read this blog to get to know your choices, then download our comprehensive guide to help you […]
Claiming mileage as an independent contractor

Claiming mileage as an independent contractor As a contractor, you’ll undoubtedly already be claiming expenses against your tax bill. However, one of the most common areas of confusion is that of mileage. Many contractors may wonder whether they would be better off purchasing a company car (when trading as a Limited Company) or whether claiming […]