P4, NoLongerLimited, ParasolIT?

**MiserGoof** · 16 August 2005, 00:12

Why not start your own Limited Company, that way you are in control and should only have to pay an accountant £60 -> £80 a month.

If you want to roll over and sit in the IR 35 basket, then you still get to keep 5% for toys (err umm expences) or dividends and if your turning over enough (but not too much) then check out the flat rate VAT scheme.

**Lucifer Box** · 16 August 2005, 07:19

Originally posted by Ali

working on an adhoc basis so I definately fall within IR35.

Are you sure about that? Ad hoc working usually suggests completely the opposite as there is little to no mutuality of obligation.

Ditch your umbrella and get your own limited is my advice.

**Ali** · 16 August 2005, 08:40

Originally posted by Lucifer Box

Are you sure about that? Ad hoc working usually suggests completely the opposite as there is little to no mutuality of obligation.

Ditch your umbrella and get your own limited is my advice.

Yes, because I get my work from a consultant, who is effectively my line manager. I normally work normal working hours - 9-5:30 with 1 hr lunch. Both P4 and NLL think this falls within IR35.

I used to have a ltd, but I was never good with the paperwork. People don't always pay on time or the right amount, etc. I like the idea of just having to fax over a timesheet at the end of the week and someone else chasing payments. Parasolit charge a fixed fee (i think £55/month) so won't that work out cheaper than paying an accountant?

**Witchywoo** · 16 August 2005, 09:16

I think that you need to check P4's leaving fee before you tell them you want to leave.

I know a couple of people who have been stung by them holding onto their final payment because they haven't earned them enough in fees.

**Lucifer Box** · 16 August 2005, 09:26

Originally posted by Ali

Yes, because I get my work from a consultant, who is effectively my line manager. I normally work normal working hours - 9-5:30 with 1 hr lunch. Both P4 and NLL think this falls within IR35.

I used to have a ltd, but I was never good with the paperwork. People don't always pay on time or the right amount, etc. I like the idea of just having to fax over a timesheet at the end of the week and someone else chasing payments. Parasolit charge a fixed fee (i think £55/month) so won't that work out cheaper than paying an accountant?

The reason they may be saying that is because it is more convenient for them. They will not necessarily have your best interests at heart and are certainly not employment law experts. In what way then is your working arrangement ad hoc? If there are ever occasions when there is "nothing to do" and you are effectively "sent home", there is no MOO, therefore it is not an employment type relationship, disguised or otherwise.

There are plenty of accountants who will run your limited for you, including all your paperwork, for that sort of fee. All you have to do is keep a shoebox of receipts and write yourself the occasional paycheck.

**G8_Summit** · 16 August 2005, 09:31

I was with P4 for over a year - no problems at all. My only comment about them is that they promote their expenses dispensation, however, no matter what they say, you must only claim for expenses that you have actually incurred.
They told me to claim the maximum allowed under their dispensation scheme (something like £75 per night for a hotel even though I was staying in a bedsit that cost nowhere near that much).

If you take away the expenses allowed from their net pay figure, then they are not such a good deal given the amount you are paying them. However, if you want to take a chance on not being investigated by the IR (for your expenses), then go for it - you'll be quids in.

**Ali** · 16 August 2005, 10:27

I think I will look into my own ltd again after a year or so. But for now, I think the umberlla is probably the best way to go. I've been assured that there is no pay holding or leaving fee from P4. But I'm thinking of moving from them because they pay monthly and charge 6%.

NLL - there isnt much comment on them at all and I was really hoping to get some feedback on them as I think they work out cheaper.

ParasolIT - can't claim as many dispensations, but they have a fixed fee so I can take home more if I earn more. I think, lol.

Basically, I think I've read enough good things about Parasol, but am thinking that NLL also offer a VAT return option and possible lower commission that might work out better. I checked them out at companies house - they have only been running since 2001. Apart from that, I haven't managed to get any other info - no one seems to have anything to say about them - good or bad - is that a good thing?

**Lucifer Box** · 16 August 2005, 10:40

Ali, you need to bear in mind that expenses have to be legitimately incurred in order to withstand HMCR scrutiny even if you are using a brolly. A lot of brollies will have you believe this isn't so, but they are wrong. They do it because it makes their analysis of your take home look good. Don't forget, it's you that picks up the tax bill, penalties and fines when your expenses are challenged, not your brolly. Make sure you can back up those £75/day (or whatever) expense claims with some legitimate looking paperwork.

**Ali** · 16 August 2005, 11:05

Absolutely,

I only claim travel (train tickets and mileage) My company pays for overnight stay so I don't need to claim that. I can't claim phonecalls because of inclusive minutes or broadband. I can't think what else to claim to be honest.

P4, NoLongerLimited, ParasolIT?