Can anyone reccomend a decent accountancy firm for IT contractors?

[Nixon Williams]

Well, what can I say? Your website is not clear then.

We advise a salary in line with the NMW as this is one less area for the Revenue to attack in the future. Contractors are not stupid and they can make their own decisions, if they wish to have a lower salary they are free to do so, we offer a flexible system.

My advice is always clear and I am not affraid to put my name to my comments. I will always answer questions from contractors whether they are clients or not, but I am not here to answer questions for accountants.

Alan

[THEPUMA]

I think that is a cop out. Your clients will follow your recommendations if you are telling them to pay NMW. The fact that it is one less area for HMRC to attack is not a valid reason to recommend it. Do you advise all your clients to treat themselves as caught by IR35 for the same reason?

I am only trying to open up the argument for debate so that between us we can establish what is best for all our clients. I believe that you are not prepared to answer my question because you know you can't put a credible argument to support your stance.

[oraclesmith]

ooooooooohhhhhh..... 'ark at 'er !!

[mrdavies]

I think that is a cop out. Your clients will follow your recommendations if you are telling them to pay NMW. The fact that it is one less area for HMRC to attack is not a valid reason to recommend it. Do you advise all your clients to treat themselves as caught by IR35 for the same reason?

I am only trying to open up the argument for debate so that between us we can establish what is best for all our clients. I believe that you are not prepared to answer my question because you know you can't put a credible argument to support your stance.

Are you still talking?

[portseven]

I used NW for a good few years they were OK but for a new contractor they might not be right. They were unwilling to advise on Tax matters, I did ask several times and was told that they are not Tax specialists (how much should I pay myself, dividends, what can I take in expenses etc).

They were quite efficent in what they did, i.e. processing invoices, expenses, dealing with HM Goverment. But I think next time I go Ltd (currently with a brolly) I will be looking for a more all-inclusive service. Probably someone local who I can go and eyeball and talk to.

[Nixon Williams]

I used NW for a good few years they were OK but for a new contractor they might not be right. They were unwilling to advise on Tax matters, I did ask several times and was told that they are not Tax specialists (how much should I pay myself, dividends, what can I take in expenses etc).

They were quite efficent in what they did, i.e. processing invoices, expenses, dealing with HM Goverment. But I think next time I go Ltd (currently with a brolly) I will be looking for a more all-inclusive service. Probably someone local who I can go and eyeball and talk to.

Not sure who told you that we cannot advise on tax matters?, that is what we do, we issue an expenses guide to new clients (and anyone who asks for one!) and advise how to pay salary/dividends etc. If not caught by IR35 then s salary of about £10K and the rest as dividends and expenses.

What we do not offer are dodgy schemes based overseas etc, but if someone asks, we make this clear that this is not offered.

Alan

[sjohnson]

Thanks

Well thanks for all your advice everyone its been really useful. Didnt want to start any arguments so apologies. Not telling you who im going with either but ill let you know if ive made the right choice or not further down the line. Thanks again everyone

[sjohnson]

do you mean Parasol are not calculating the tax correctly or you are looking for a more tax efficent way of doing things?

(was thinking of using them that is all...)

Ta

You get tax relief on petrol and lunches but thats about it. After that your paying paye so its just like being a perm.Getting out as soon as, ltd looks the way to go

[Mustang]

I think I will stick with my Accountants.....!!

[heids]

Kanmara Accountancy Services

Hiya

I'd try Kanmara Accountancy Services, I am switching to them from Giant. They charge a 1 off fee of £75 to start the company up and this includes a consultation to go through exactly what expenses you can claim and what receipts you need.

They charge £15/month for payroll and £350 for end of year tax return.

I think 1st Contact and Giant are a total rip-off and are cashing in on the fact that there is a lot of change on at the moment, I reckon you're better off going straight to an accountant and looking into getting external IR35 insurance.