my story

[Beefy198]

IIRC, if you only work one contract, then you can't claim any expenses back - something to do with it always being your intention to do one job only.

Might be worth checking out before finding out too late.

IANAA.

Correct. The second you know that you will only undertake one contract you need to stop claiming.

[pmeswani]

IIRC, if you only work one contract, then you can't claim any expenses back - something to do with it always being your intention to do one job only.

Might be worth checking out before finding out too late.

IANAA.

I think I understand what you are saying. And as you said, it is down to intent. The question is, in this particular climate, where some first-time contractors are pretty much forced to reconsider going back to permie, how does one defend themselves against the "intention" clause?

This is my 2nd contract (where my first contract was via an Umbrella and my second is via my own Ltd), would I get done for claiming expenses if I went back to permie land (especially in this current climate)?

This is showing my ignorance on this particular issue.

[blacjac]

I don't think it's showing ignorance, it is a good question.

However the HMRC rules are very vague...

I believe you are correct, if you intended to take more than one contract through the same brolly, then the location is temporary from day one. If something prevents you from getting a second contract through the same brolly then it's fine - still temporary.

However if your intentions change and you intend to go to a different brolly or quit contracting, then it is no longer (or never has been) a temporary workplace.

[pmeswani]

I don't think it's showing ignorance, it is a good question.

However the HMRC rules are very vague...

I believe you are correct, if you intended to take more than one contract through the same brolly, then the location is temporary from day one. If something prevents you from getting a second contract through the same brolly then it's fine - still temporary.

However if your intentions change and you intend to go to a different brolly or quit contracting, then it is no longer (or never has been) a temporary workplace.

So in my particular situation, I should be ok? My main concern is that the HMRC will turn around and say "Well, looking at resources such as Jobserve, you could have got another contract, etc. etc." and attempt to do me over. I only hope that my PCG+ membership will help me out here.