Do I have to have a UK Ltd Company?

[Stan.goodvibes]

I have a Ltd Company registered in another country and it has an international bank account. If I am not going to be contracting for more than 185 days (6 months) I am technically not liable to pay tax in the UK.

Last time I was contracting in the UK the pimps wanted a UK plc. Can anyone shed any light on why this is? or is that just for UK Nationals who will be contracting long term?

As far as I can see it makes no difference to them if they are paying an offshore company, until such a time as it becomes illegal to do so (after 6 months).

Any thoughts?

[expat]

I have a Ltd Company registered in another country and it has an international bank account. If I am not going to be contracting for more than 185 days (6 months) I am technically not liable to pay tax in the UK.

Last time I was contracting in the UK the pimps wanted a UK plc. Can anyone shed any light on why this is? or is that just for UK Nationals who will be contracting long term?

As far as I can see it makes no difference to them if they are paying an offshore company, until such a time as it becomes illegal to do so (after 6 months).

Any thoughts?

It is because they don't want to be stung for any tax, or even arguments with the taxman. A Ltd Co does that so they almost always insist on it. To answer the question in the title, you don't actually need one, and you should inform the pimps of this. I am sure they will be most cooperative.

[TheFaQQer]

It is because they don't want to be stung for any tax, or even arguments with the taxman. A Ltd Co does that so they almost always insist on it. To answer the question in the title, you don't actually need one, and you should inform the pimps of this. I am sure they will be most cooperative.

Where's that sarcasm smilie???

[NotAllThere]

Some pimps don't have any issues. Other do.