Category: Employment Law, Taxation and Legislation for Contractors

While HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) provides IR35 information to contractors, it is important to seek an independent expert opinion, it has been claimed.

Contractors Calculator has highlighted the fact that while the suggestions that the organisation makes are mostly accurate and comprehensive, there are so many grey areas that it makes it difficult to assess without help.

"Contractors are advised to seek the opinion of an IR35 and employment law expert on their contracts and not to rely entirely on HMRC's interpretation," it stated.

The website added that the information HMRC has made available can be used as background information, but not much more than that.

It especially advises not submitting contracts to the HMRC to review for an IR35 opinion unless it has been checked by an independent specialist, as these should only be submitted under certain circumstances.

Earlier this month, FreelanceUK.com claimed that the country's IR35 provisions are clouded in confusion, as the review of these rules could take longer than many contractors either expect or want.

Posted by Daniel Frost