Do I need an accountant?

[THEPUMA]

The problem for me is, it's hard to see where they could make me these huge savings! Like I said, my situation is pretty simple, I charge daily rate, I am on FRS for VAT, and claim a bit in travel expenses. What is there that could suddenly magically save me that much money?

No doubt if my contract continues I will end up with one again, but I may hang in there for a while and try and learn a bit more about it.

OK I'll take the bait! How much are you drawing from the company and how is it split between salary and dividends, between yourself and your spouse/partner (if you have one)? What is your spouse/partner's other income?

[Gros]

No bait intended! But I may PM you rather than give out all my personal details.

[pleomax]

No bait intended! But I may PM you rather than give out all my personal details.

If you are still around I wouldn't mind having an indication on this as I am considering this very same thing. Not exact figures as taht is your business.

Pleo

[Pegasus]

If your other half doesn't work you could pay her a salary to do some admin and save some money there.
QB.

A few questions on this:
1) As of now, is it perfectly legitimate to make your spouse a partner in the business, and pay her a salary/dividend for some admin work?
2) Can the spouse only be a 50% partner, or can she be given a larger share of dividends too?
3) Have heard that a new legislation is coming out next year, which might make things difficult for the spouse companies. Is there a chance that the new legislation would apply retro-spectively, and even people working in such manner previously be investigated?

Thanks for your help.

[NotAllThere]

1) As of now, is it perfectly legitimate to make your spouse a partner in the business, and pay her a salary/dividend for some admin work?

Yes

2) Can the spouse only be a 50% partner, or can she be given a larger share of dividends too?

Can have 0 - 100%

3) ... Is there a chance that the new legislation would apply retro-spectively...

There's always a chance, but it is highly unlikely, since the proposals have been postponed already once.