PCG - worth joining?

[vincent_kennedy]

Hello - I'm very new to he world of contracting, having just got my first contract and set up my Ltd company.

A couple of guys I currently work with are contractors, one in the PCG and one not.

Can I ask if any of you here are members and if it is worth joining? From what I can see the principal benefits are regarding insurance if I should get investigated for a range of tax reasons.

This in itself appears to be worth it to me, but I would prefer to seek the advice of people with more exeperince with them before I commit myself.

Any help offered is greatfully recieved.

[DaveB]

Short answer.

Yes.

[Xenophon]

Yes.

What he said.

[The Master]

Can I ask if any of you here are members and if it is worth joining?

Yes and yes.

[Pondlife]

Definitely! Not only for the insurance but for the wealth of free info on the site. Guides to IR35, Agency regs (what it means to opt out) plus discounted rates for PI Ins etc

[vincent_kennedy]

Well that settles it then....

... immediate and clear responses like that are always a good thing, so that seals the deal. Thanks for those quick responses.

One part of the service I'm unlcear on is this - they will offer insurance in the event that i'm challenged on my tax status regarding IR35.

I'm unlcear on how the process works - do I have to send my contract to PCG to review when I join - or are they simply obliged to insure should the situation arise, simply because I am a member.

It seems a bit silly that they would offer insurance based on a contract that could be nonsense - but I can't see that they exclude this. I know they are in partnetship with firms who will review your contract for you - but am I obliged to use one of these, or indeed, any at all?

[Mordac]

Have a look here should answer all your questions. If not, give them a ring, they are very helpful.

Edit - as part of your due diligence process, you should always get your contracts checked by someone like Bauer & Cottrell. That way when the IR come along, you can demonstrate that you took all reasonable steps to determine your IR35 status. Never, repeat, NEVER send your contract to the IR for their opinion. They will (curiously enough) always say you are caught, and you then have to prove otherwise.

Edit 2 - I'd also recommend you join the PCG.

[vincent_kennedy]

Cheers for the extra advice Mordac.

I'm signing up to the PCG this afternoon, and sending my contract for review by SJD accountancy (who I think Im also going to use as my accountant).

Seems that they also have an excellent reputation on here.

To all who replied - thank you once again.

[Lockhouse]

I can recommend Bauer & Cottrell for contract reviews - they negotiate any changes with the agent included in the review price.

[Cowboy Bob]

I can recommend Bauer & Cottrell for contract reviews - they negotiate any changes with the agent included in the review price.

I'll second that. Excellent service, quick turnaround and easy to get hold of if you have any queries.