First batch of HMRC IR35 compliance letters out

[northernladuk]

I don't think that is particularly positive. It's always better where those sort of costs are in your rate. Reclaiming travelling or hotel costs is a permie thing.

Lets put it this way it would be more positive if they didn't, because as an employee you would be expected to have these costs reimbursed. But yes consultancies will sometimes charge for hotels but not always.

This is true but there is no problems if client wants to pay. They provide you with laptop/phone/desk so why not accommodation. It isn't ideal but if they want to pay it on your behalf then fine. Going through their expenses system carte blanche is not. Depends on what their policy is towards hotels.

[scooby]

This is true but there is no problems if client wants to pay. They provide you with laptop/phone/desk so why not accommodation. It isn't ideal but if they want to pay it on your behalf then fine. Going through their expenses system carte blanche is not. Depends on what their policy is towards hotels.

Agreed, my last client sent me to KL and Poland etc, you cant expect me to include that in the rate. in a fix price with up front knowledge, maybe.

My expenses are chargeable only on those that incurred due to excessive travel. And I invoice as you would for time. No systems to use.

[BoredBloke]

At a number of sites that I have worked at, JPM and BT, all contractors were told to take 3 weeks off around Christmas unless there was a significant business justification for staying on. In both cases I agreed less time away due to the quiet time being the best time to run testing etc. I assume that if you were asked then that will tick this box.

Copies of business insurance schedules - that's been a requirement for my last 5 years worth of contracts.

Details of any occasions a contract was terminated early by either party - yes again. Last one was terminated a few weeks early.

Details of any substantial investment in business assets - not a great deal. I usually buy a high spec laptop which will do the job for the next couple of years.

Training - did a night course at the city of London uni last year. Not expensive and will look at doing another this year.

marketing and advertising - I get enough work via the standard means and LinkedIn. Why spend extra when I'm filling my time quite adequately

[BlasterBates]

Agreed, my last client sent me to KL and Poland etc, you cant expect me to include that in the rate. in a fix price with up front knowledge, maybe.

My expenses are chargeable only on those that incurred due to excessive travel. And I invoice as you would for time. No systems to use.

Yes sure, it isn't a problem but it would be more likely something you would have to defend to show you weren't just like a permie on expenses rather than being a positive thing, i.e. not something to necessarily put on your justification. On the otherhand covering your own expenses will always be seen positively. Anything where you cover it in your rate or any costs you control are positive.

[SarahL2012]

expenses

Yes sure, it isn't a problem but it would be more likely something you would have to defend to show you weren't just like a permie on expenses rather than being a positive thing, i.e. not something to necessarily put on your justification. On the otherhand covering your own expenses will always be seen positively. Anything where you cover it in your rate or any costs you control are positive.

I don't think I agree with this - when I worked for a big consultancy the expenses that we would / would not charge the client were always laid out in the engagement letter and I don't work any differently now I'm freelance. In fact the PCG standard contract has a section on expenses in it that can be adapted as needed.
I do agree that abiding by the clients expenses policy and filling in their forms is not a process any contractor should follow. Any expenses incurred should be added onto your monthly invoice plus VAT.

[BolshieBastard]

People need to realise unless you have an impressive Plan B that can generate substantial income, a contractor will generally still be better off IR35 caught.

They (HMRC & the tories) are still bitches though.

[mudskipper]

So back to OP's question - has anyone had a letter?

[northernladuk]

So back to OP's question - has anyone had a letter?

I have got a letter for you K2p2... it's French though

[bobspud]

I will be ignoring them if they send one out to my company. I see no reason in making their life easier, and the more time that they have to waist chasing me before I present them with a set of watertight IR35 exempt contracts together with working practices to match then the less time they will have to bother the next victim of this shake down...

[centurian]

Details of any occasions a contract was terminated early by either party or when contractors were asked to stay away from an end client site for whatever reason whilst permanent staff remained in place.

Enforced rate cuts

It's effectively cancelling the contract and offering a new one at a different rate, so might help a tiny little bit.