Any clue how many of your fellow contractors are going inside?

[ChimpMaster]

We don't know the real answer but it's quite clearly be a lesser risk than staying inside. To investigate him they will have to find him, then they will have to prove he was inside. The fact the role he left is now inside add ammo to HMRC but its circumstantial to a certain extent.

They've got thousands inside and outside to go out so he will be further down the list. Not in the clear but a better position.

But yes, the worry should always be there. His position is only the next one down after the outside to inside guys and one above the people that left before the determination.

I am surprised HMRC haven't actively looked for contractors with many years at a gig. Same amount of work to chaw with greater returns. Now they've a honey pot to go at but, IMO, you should never discount the risk of 4+ years at a client. Time will tell.

How would HMRC possibly know which clients your company has been contracted to? It's not their business to know, so long as your company pays its taxes and files its returns on time etc.

[LetterBox]

How would HMRC possibly know which clients your company has been contracted to? It's not their business to know, so long as your company pays its taxes and files its returns on time etc.

Well, if you work through an agency, the 2015 employment intermediary report filed by the agency would indicate a name and could be cross referenced to return your PSC details. If in 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 the agency are still reporting that you are 'on the books' then they could have a good stab that you are on the same gig for 4 years. If HMRC were anywhere near organised of course. They'll then send a kind letter just asking you who your clients were in that period.

[ChimpMaster]

Well, if you work through an agency, the 2015 employment intermediary report filed by the agency would indicate a name and could be cross referenced to return your PSC details. If in 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 the agency are still reporting that you are 'on the books' then they could have a good stab that you are on the same gig for 4 years. If HMRC were anywhere near organised of course. They'll then send a kind letter just asking you who your clients were in that period.

D'oh you're right.

Just that I haven't worked through an agency for the past few years

Still can't imagine HMRC doing that. Not because they wouldn't want to though.

[Paralytic]

Hi,

I'm with my current client (been here for four months) in an outside self declared capacity. Going via an agency and have had my contract reviewed and passed by Qdos. I also have insurance with them also.

I've been advised by the agency and the end client that they have made a SDS that post April I will be outside.

However, I am not fully confident I can just rely on that alone.

What do I need to do in addition to this to make it bullet proof?

do i need the agency to re-issue a new contract or do I keep the existing one and if a new contract get this reviewed again?

do I need a written SDS from the client and what should it say exactly?

If an investigation ever arose for this engagement and it was proved I was inside, would I only be responsible for the repayment of taxes for the self declared aspect of the engagement and post April it would be the client?

Anything I need to factor in?

When does your current contract run till?

[SimonMac]

I was thinking more about Canary Wharf where everyone just walks to the other side of the road. Easy money lol.

Its a great idea for the contractor, but a tulipe idea for the clients.

Yes I will let my staff go lock stock and move to a competitor with all the information they hold in their head

[BABABlackSheep]

Well, if you work through an agency, the 2015 employment intermediary report filed by the agency would indicate a name and could be cross referenced to return your PSC details. If in 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 the agency are still reporting that you are 'on the books' then they could have a good stab that you are on the same gig for 4 years. If HMRC were anywhere near organised of course. They'll then send a kind letter just asking you who your clients were in that period.

4 months or 4 years makes no difference. All about contract and working conditions.

4 years just means you’re at risk of a much bigger tax bill if found you should have been paying PAYE and NI.

[BritishLad88]

I agree with you, someone in the situation you've described can never be 100% out of risk, although the risk as you said is way lower.

And I'm sure there's a fair number of people in that situation too.

Good luck to all, I guess...

time will tell. im started to get tired of all this talking. im just eager now to see how things pan out. not long to go. another 2 months.

[Lance]

Any clue how many of your fellow contractors are going inside?

None.
The only people I know switching to inside are just permietractors. I know that it's tough to find work at the moment, and the best business is repeat business, but switching to inside is admitting that you're not what you say you are.

The contractors I know are staying outside or leaving (or both).

[BlasterBates]

"inside"



"outside"

[Acme Thunderer]

Beginning to see the "swap-around" at client. Contractors that live locally are joining client on an inside basis having left contracts that needed them to stay away during the week.