Reply to: Short term gig for IR35 reasons??

[ASB]

I had the impression that for gigs under 28 days they weren't interested...

I think you will find that in Hansard in the general discussion, but it didn't make it into the statute of course.

There is somebody on here who I think declared a 3 dayer as caught.

[Dark Black]

No, it's one investigation as far as Hector is concerened. You, howeer, will be filling out a 200-question factsheet for each one and explaining 90% of it in minute detail for the next three years.

Hector doesn't care how much work is involved and he's not that bothered about the amount recovered. His bonus is assessed on successful results, not gross recovery. Otherwise they'd be talking to Philip Green and friends.

Do short contracts by all means, but don't kid yourself it has any impact on IR35 whatsoever

Fair enough - I see your point, but they still have to prove that each contract fails IR35 don't they?

[malvolio]

So hence I'd rather have 4 x 3 month contracts (at different clients) than 1 x 12 month one. That's 4 investigations needed instead of 1

No, it's one investigation as far as Hector is concerened. You, howeer, will be filling out a 200-question factsheet for each one and explaining 90% of it in minute detail for the next three years.

Hector doesn't care how much work is involved and he's not that bothered about the amount recovered. His bonus is assessed on successful results, not gross recovery. Otherwise they'd be talking to Philip Green and friends.

Do short contracts by all means, but don't kid yourself it has any impact on IR35 whatsoever

[Dark Black]

I tend to prefer shorter gigs, partly because the longer ones start to feel too "permie", partly beacuse I get bored easily, but also to minimise risk from IR35...

I'lll qualify the IR35 risk bit - since IR35 is (as has already been stated) assessed on a per contract basis, the shorter the contract , the less potential tax risks there are in the event that Hector comes knocking and moves the goalposts again to try an fit it inside IR35.

So hence I'd rather have 4 x 3 month contracts (at different clients) than 1 x 12 month one. That's 4 investigations needed instead of 1

[thunderlizard]

The best thing about short term projects here and there is that they look good on the brochures.

[Zippy]

On the other hand any gig is an opportunity to learn something new and make contacts… I wish I hadn’t become so lazy, bench time is bad for the soul.

You are heading towards can't be arsed-dom. Don't be like me - get out of the house now before you start looking forward to the property makeover shows. Six weeks extra cash in the bank is not to be sniffed at either.

[ctdctd]

LAst time I went that route I was £150 a day ahead of my usual rate...

Oh, and down at my level £150 often IS the offered daily rate

[ctdctd]

Silly question, but why a rate uplift?

Because the initial six weeks was for 2nd line support while they found a permie - I normally do 3rd line stuff. Turned out to be 3rd level anyway so I upped the rate when they decided they liked me and wanted to renew.

[malvolio]

I took a 6 week gig partly to get fill in a gap up to Christmas and partly because I thought short term would help IR35.
This has now turned into six months with +20% on the rate and given me some useful contacts for the future so I'm glad I did

Silly question, but why a rate uplift? Surely you quote higher for a short-term gig (to cover your higher proportional overhards - cough...) and keep that rate if you get extended. LAst time I went that route I was £150 a day ahead of my usual rate...

[Chugnut]

I've been off for 3 months now and money is tight, but I can't be arsed to do a job below my normal rate and outside my normal commute, I may just take a directors loan to tide me over if it’s not going to make any difference to IR35 status.

If the wife saw me typing this she'd hit fliping the roof.

On the other hand any gig is an opportunity to learn something new and make contacts… I wish I hadn’t become so lazy, bench time is bad for the soul.

If money is tight I'd seriously consider something in the meantime. Let's hope not of course, but the one starting in 6 weeks could get canned at the last minute...

And the short term gig has no bearing on your IR35 "status" if the working practices don't reflect it. Contract by contract basis.

[ctdctd]

I took a 6 week gig partly to get fill in a gap up to Christmas and partly because I thought short term would help IR35.
This has now turned into six months with +20% on the rate and given me some useful contacts for the future so I'm glad I did

[MrRobin]

The donkey ride season should be starting soon down at the beach... why don't you see if they need any new software that you could do to tide you over?

HTH

[gingerjedi]

WHS.

Do it for the money!

I've been off for 3 months now and money is tight, but I can't be arsed to do a job below my normal rate and outside my normal commute, I may just take a directors loan to tide me over if it’s not going to make any difference to IR35 status.

If the wife saw me typing this she'd hit fecking the roof.

On the other hand any gig is an opportunity to learn something new and make contacts… I wish I hadn’t become so lazy, bench time is bad for the soul.

[NotAllThere]

WHS.

Do it for the money!

[Tensai]

From my reading of similar replies on this site, I believe IR35 is assessed on a per-contract basis. So if the terms and working practices of the contract are IR35-compliant, then great. If not, then you will need to pay the tax on the income form the contract appropriately.

It's possible to have several contracts on the go simultaneously, some of which are IR35-friendly, and some not.