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Essential information & guides for freelancers, contractors, consultants & temporary workers.
"What's an Umbrella Company?"
So You Want to be a Contractor
You Landed a Contract Role - What Now?
What is an Umbrella Company?
Umbrella Company Benefits
Umbrella Company Expenses
R.I.P. Paperwork
Umbrella Company Secrets
Umbrella Company Alternatives
IR35 - What? Why? Who?
Umbrella Company FAQ
2011 Umbrella Company Reader Awards
Construction Industry Scheme (CIS)
Create the Perfect CV
Frequently Asked Interview Questions
Dispute Resolution
Offshore & EBT
Calculate your net take home pay
Umbrella Company Guides
Dummies Guide to Contracting & Umbrella Company Services
Simple & Helpful 'How to...' Articles for Contractors
We've got everything a contractor needs to know - you've got a fantastic & free place to help you get the most out of contracting...and certainly the most out of your umbrella company!
From starting out as a contractor to finding the best umbrella company, IR35, claiming business expenses, paperwork & FAQs - look no further!
You Got The Contract What Now
Having passed your interview and got your start date you might think there's no more to do until you turn up at the client's site.
Think again! You've got one more task to complete. You have to have a ‘limited company' to trade through.
A ‘limited company' has a different set of legal rights compared to an ‘individual'. Due to complex European employment laws, clients will only deal with limited companies and not individuals.
But don't worry, this part is easy!
Paperwork or NO Paperwork
10 years ago freelance contractors had to go to all the bother of setting up & managing their own limited company.
Things you'll have to do include:
- Register at Companies House.
- Annual Returns each year to update Companies House, fee required.
- HMRC forms.
- Corporation tax return.
- Memorandum of Association
- Articles of Association
- Form 10 - Provides Directors' and Company Secretary's Names & Addresses
- Form 12 - States that the Company complies with the terms of the Companies Act.
Most freelance contractors admit to a weakness when it comes to forms, red-tape and administration - so, you're not alone!
Ancient or Modern
Contractors don't want to spend all day at work then come home to face hours in front of the PC doing more paperwork. Anyway, contractor does not = qualified accountant.
This is where umbrella companies come into the picture. An umbrella company is a ready-made ready-to-go limited company designed specifically for freelance contractors.
An umbrella company will complete all the work described above, plus a whole heap more. An umbrella company will deal with HMRC on your behalf, sign contracts with your recruitment agency and ensure you get paid as quickly as possible.
Too good to be true? Fortunately, not! These umbrella companies are set up specifically to help contractors, and want to hear from you. In return for a modest monthly fee your umbrella company will do all the administration and paperwork necessary.
- "They are red-tape experts - leaving you free to concentrate on your contract." Stephanie Buck, JMK umbrella company.
1. What is contracting and how can I become a contractor?
2. You've got the contract, what now?
3. What is an umbrella company?
4. Umbrella company myths
5. Umbrella company FAQs
6. Umbrella company paperwork
7. Umbrella company expenses
8. Calling an umbrella company
9. 10 questions to ask your umbrella company
10. IR35
11. Paying Employer's National Insurance
12. Choosing an umbrella company
13. Umbrella company alternatives