IR35

Welcome to Maze Tech Recruitment

What is IR35?

IR35 is a UK tax legislation designed to tackle tax avoidance by workers supplying their services to clients via an intermediary, such as a personal service company (PSC), but who would be an employee if the intermediary was not used. The rules ensure that contractors who work like employees pay similar taxes to employees.

At Maze Tech Recruitment, we specialize in navigating the complexities of tech recruitment, including helping our clients and candidates understand and comply with IR35 regulations. Our goal is to simplify the recruitment process, ensuring that both our clients and candidates are well-informed and well-prepared to meet these regulatory requirements.

Whether you're a tech company looking for top talent or a candidate seeking the perfect tech role, Maze Tech Recruitment is your partner in cutting a path to success. We combine unwavering transparency, streamlined precision, and genuine expertise to connect the best tech talent with leading companies, all while ensuring compliance with important regulations like IR35.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About IR35

What is IR35?

IR35 is a tax legislation in the UK aimed at identifying 'disguised employees'—contractors who provide their services through an intermediary, like a personal service company (PSC), but who work in a manner similar to an employee. The goal is to ensure that these individuals pay the same income tax and National Insurance contributions as regular employees.

FAQs

1.     How do I know if IR35 applies to me?

IR35 applies if you are working through an intermediary and your working practices are similar to those of an employee. Factors include the degree of control your client has over your work, your ability to send a substitute, and the nature of your contractual obligations.

2.     What are the main factors determining IR35 status?

Key factors include:

  • Control: Does the client control how, when, and where you do your work?

  • Substitution: Can you send a substitute to do the work instead of doing it personally?

  • Mutuality of Obligation (MOO): Is there an ongoing obligation for the client to provide work and for you to accept it?

3.     What happens if I am found to be inside IR35?

If you are inside IR35, your income will be subject to PAYE (Pay As You Earn) tax and National Insurance contributions, similar to a regular employee. This means your take-home pay will be less than if you were operating outside of IR35.

4.     What are the consequences of not complying with IR35?

Non-compliance can lead to significant financial penalties, including back taxes, interest, and fines. It is crucial to assess your IR35 status accurately and comply with the rules.

5.     How can I determine my IR35 status?

There are various tools and tests available to help determine your IR35 status, including HMRC's Check Employment Status for Tax (CEST) tool. It’s also advisable to seek professional advice from tax experts or legal advisors.

6.     Can Maze Tech Recruitment help me with IR35 assessments?

Yes, Maze Tech Recruitment offers guidance and resources to help you understand and comply with IR35 regulations. Our team can assist with assessments and connect you with experts to ensure you're correctly classified.

7.     Are there any recent changes to IR35 I should be aware of?

Yes, IR35 rules were reformed in April 2021. The responsibility for determining IR35 status shifted from the contractor to the end-client for medium and large-sized businesses in the private sector. It’s important to stay updated with any changes to IR35 regulations.

8.     How does being inside or outside IR35 affect my earnings?

Being inside IR35 typically reduces your take-home pay, as you will be taxed as an employee. Operating outside IR35 allows you to benefit from tax efficiencies available to limited companies.

9.     What should I do if I disagree with an IR35 determination?

If you disagree with an IR35 determination made by your client, you can dispute it through their established disagreement process. It may also be helpful to seek advice from a legal or tax professional.

10.  Will IR35 affect me if I work through an umbrella company?

When you work through an umbrella company, you are typically considered an employee of that company. Therefore, IR35 does not apply to you directly, as your employment taxes are already handled through the umbrella company.

11.  What contractor IR35 advice options are available?

There are two main options:

  • Option 1 – Using an umbrella company: This can simplify your tax affairs as you will be treated as an employee of the umbrella company, with PAYE tax and National Insurance contributions handled for you.

  • Option 2 – Using an IR35 fee-payer solution: This involves using a service that can handle your IR35 compliance, ensuring that you meet all tax obligations and reducing your administrative burden.

12.  What customer IR35 advice is available?

Businesses should seek professional advice to ensure they are correctly assessing IR35 status. This includes understanding the implications of incorrect determinations and ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations to avoid penalties.

13.  Where does liability for IR35 lie – who is responsible?

For medium and large-sized businesses, the responsibility for determining IR35 status lies with the end-client. For small businesses, the responsibility remains with the contractor. Liability for any unpaid taxes typically falls on the fee-payer, which could be the client, the recruitment agency, or the contractor, depending on the situation.

14.  What happens if a contractor disagrees with a PSC’s decision?

If a contractor disagrees with a PSC’s (Personal Service Company) IR35 determination, they should first seek to resolve the issue through the PSC's established disagreement process. Failing that, seeking professional advice from tax experts or legal advisors is recommended.

15.  What steps can businesses take to minimize risk?

Businesses can minimize IR35 risk by:

  • Conducting thorough IR35 assessments for each contract.

  • Keeping detailed records of the assessment process.

  • Seeking expert advice.

  • Implementing clear policies and procedures for IR35 compliance.

16.  What other solutions are there?

Other solutions include:

  • Using external IR35 assessment tools and services.

  • Engaging with professional advisors for ongoing compliance support.

  • Utilizing IR35 insurance to cover potential liabilities.

17.  What are the other risks faced by businesses?

Beyond financial penalties, businesses face reputational risks if found non-compliant with IR35. Additionally, non-compliance can disrupt contractor relationships and lead to challenges in securing top talent.

18.  How do I assess clearly and fairly?

Clear and fair assessments involve:

  • Understanding the specific details of the engagement.

  • Using established tools and guidelines.

  • Consulting with tax experts.

  • Regularly reviewing and updating assessment criteria based on changes in legislation or business practices.

19.  How accurate is the CEST tool?

The CEST (Check Employment Status for Tax) tool provided by HMRC can be useful but has faced criticism for not always accurately reflecting the nuances of individual contracts. It’s best used in conjunction with professional advice to ensure a comprehensive assessment.

For further assistance, contact Maze Tech Recruitment, and our team will be happy to help you navigate IR35 and its implications for your contracting career.