Contracting UK not viable. Where then?

[browntractor]

If you worked around Australia would you be able to claim expenses?

How many contractors turn into businesses?

You can claim a "living away from home allowance" if you are a temporary resident. That works for both permanent residents that for example, live in Sydney and work in Melbourne. And it works for temporary residents, such as Brit contractors working there for a few years on a 457 visa. That can save quite a bit.

Expenses only worthwhile if you buy a *lot* of stuff. But yes, you can expense stuff even if you are a PAYG contractor.

Only met a couple of guys there that had proper businesses that were doing contracting and they had fingers in a few pies to avoid the 80/20 ruling. Vast majority of contractors do PAYG.

Bad traffic problems in Sydney limit the locations you could practically want to commute from. And when you go half way across the world - you want to live somewhere decent to make it worth the trip - and those places are expensive. I'm not talking about suburbs that can be compared to central London. I'm talking about places like Balmain, where you find teachers, plumbers, software guys, etc .. all living together.

[tractor]

....

You can claim a "living away from home allowance" if you are a temporary resident. That works for both permanent residents that for example, live in Sydney and work in Melbourne. And it works for temporary residents, such as Brit contractors working there for a few years on a 457 visa. That can save quite a bit.

Expenses only worthwhile if you buy a *lot* of stuff. But yes, you can expense stuff even if you are a PAYG contractor.

Only met a couple of guys there that had proper businesses that were doing contracting and they had fingers in a few pies to avoid the 80/20 ruling. Vast majority of contractors do PAYG.

Bad traffic problems in Sydney limit the locations you could practically want to commute from. And when you go half way across the world - you want to live somewhere decent to make it worth the trip - and those aces are expensive. I'm not taking about suburbs that can be compared to central London. I'm talking about places like Balmain, where you find teachers, plumbers, software guys, etc .. all living together.

In the same room?

Might just as well go to Barclays then.

[OwlHoot]

If Oz is so wonderful how come all the Aussies are over here?

Making a load of tax-free dosh - Work for a couple of years and then hoof it before HMR&C catches up with them

Good for them I say!

[DimPrawn]

Making a load of tax-free dosh - Work for a couple of years and then hoof it before HMR&C catches up with them

Good for them I say!

And doing the "travelling europe" bit before heading back to a much better lifestyle.....

[d000hg]

For someone who spends a lot of time here you demonstrate a remarkably poor understanding of how independent contracting in this country came about and how it works.

Do you really think your stupid, envious, trolling posts are going to make anyone change their viewpoint and run to the Treasury with a suitcase load of cash and volunteer it?

You just look more stupid with every post.

Yes, there is a lot of (over) reaction here. Most posters are probably only going to be affected by a couple grand each year. Big deal. Take one week less off per year and suck it up people. This is not the end and its not the worst it's going to get if people like D000hg have their way.

Why do you think I'm envious? I may not earn as much as many here but I'm doing nicely, I earn more than nearly everyone I know. I have no desire to pay more tax but equally I am objective enough to see that it's still a better deal, and not start crying to HMRC that they stole my lunch money.

I'm also not trolling, I genuinely don't think it's bad I pay an equivalent overall tax haul to someone earning the same as me as a permie.

Put the sour grapes down, and buy yourself some fresh ones from Waitrose. You can afford it.

[AtW]

Why do you think I'm envious? I may not earn as much as many here but I'm doing nicely, I earn more than nearly everyone I know.

That's pride that is...

[oliverson]

If yesterday's changes have made it 'unviable' for you then you must've been on a crap deal to begin with. Get a better contract.

Wrong assumption. My rate is pretty exceptional.

It's the constant erosion of contracting - IR35, S660, Dividend tax, offshoring, visas from outside the EU, expenses, etc. that is threatening the very viability of contracting. I reckon there will be no contracting industry to speak of within 5 years.

[d000hg]

That's pride that is...

No, it's a cold hard fact. I am not proud about it.

[AtW]

No, it's a cold hard fact. I am not proud about it.

So, why are you doing things that you are not proud off???

Repent sinner!!!

[tractor]

.....

Why do you think I'm envious? I may not earn as much as many here but I'm doing nicely, I earn more than nearly everyone I know. I have no desire to pay more tax but equally I am objective enough to see that it's still a better deal, and not start crying to HMRC that they stole my lunch money.

I'm also not trolling, I genuinely don't think it's bad I pay an equivalent overall tax haul to someone earning the same as me as a permie.

Put the sour grapes down, and buy yourself some fresh ones from Waitrose. You can afford it.

Or course not. And with another post, you look more stupid.

Especially given that I have posted in several threads pointing out that a couple of grand a year to maintain the mode or working is not so bad. No sour grapes here, I treat every government/chancellor/attack on my chosen way of working (that I was forced into, I might add) with the derision they deserve.