Reply to: Needed SAMPLE CONTRACT FOR LIMITED COMPANY ?

[Boo]

there is no 'i'm a contractor' tick-box.

Ah, yes there is.

Boo

[Wanderer]

What will they want next, membership lists of which trade unions we belong to or which political party we are members of? The name of the church, mosque or temple we visit? The names of the charities that we support? None of these things are "secret" but they are "private" and we are entitled to a private life. I'm sick and tired of all the snooping that goes on in the UK these days, so much data is gathered about us by people and organisations (including the government) who have no business sticking their nose in.

Quite frankly, it's none of HMRC's bloody business who's a PCG member and the PCG are absolutely right to keep the list confidential.

[malvolio]

Seriously, do any of you consider not being able to tax deduct the membership fee a valid reason for NOT joining PCG?

Well some do, clearly. Probably because they are so convinced they are above the average in terms of independence, intelligence and earning potential they need any excuse not to join an organisation that implies they need the backup it provides.

[v8gaz]

Its about risk v reward. Personally I am not comfortable with handing HMRC a list if IR35 investigation targets. You may not hide the fact that you are a contractor, non of us do, however it's not obvious from your returns to HMRC - there is no 'i'm a contractor' tick-box. Being a member of PCG is clear indicator of being a contractor who feels that they need to be careful around IR35.

By handing them our list, there is a very real danger that the number of IR35 investigations on PCG members would rise, and that's not a risk I'm prepared to take for the sake of the tax saving on £10 a month membership fees. If that amount of money causes you problems, then perhaps you shouldn't be contracting.

It looks like it will be less of an issue under Cameron, but believe me, Gordon's lot really had it in for contractors, especially IT contractors. No way were we going to hand them a hit-list.

Seriously, do any of you consider not being able to tax deduct the membership fee a valid reason for NOT joining PCG?

[TykeMerc]

Do you really trust the government that much?

If you do then you definitely haven't been brought up in the UK.

Trust them with what? I make no secret of the fact that my business is contracting, HMRC are certainly aware of that fact.
They have my name on the membership rolls of other professional organisations, if I joined the PCG then I don't see what HMRC would know about me that they don't already know.

[SueEllen]

What's the objection to providing a member list to HMRC?

The PCG is a campaign, advice and support organisation all of which are legitimate activties.

Do you really trust the government that much?

If you do then you definitely haven't been brought up in the UK.

[Boo]

Correct, and to get on that list you need to supply your membership list to HMRC.

Guess what, we ain't going to do that.

Why ?

Boo

[TykeMerc]

Correct, and to get on that list you need to supply your membership list to HMRC.

Guess what, we ain't going to do that.

So why don't you start your own representative organisation then HAB? I mean, we're all getting very very rich doing it badly (according to you) - or perhaps you're just talking out of your hairy @rse. As usual.

What's the objection to providing a member list to HMRC?

The PCG is a campaign, advice and support organisation all of which are legitimate activties.

[freelancer75]

A) Whatever you find get someone else that knows what they are doing to review it. You English is appalling so can't see how you can understand the finer points of a legal contract.

[v8gaz]

Only professional subs that are on list 3 are allowable for tax.

Correct, and to get on that list you need to supply your membership list to HMRC.

Guess what, we ain't going to do that.

So why don't you start your own representative organisation then HAB? I mean, we're all getting very very rich doing it badly (according to you) - or perhaps you're just talking out of your hairy @rse. As usual.

[HairyArsedBloke]

The only drawback being that membership of the PCG doesn't appear to be a tax deductible expense which is a shame.

Classic PCG. What a load of

There is such a gap in the market for a group to do what the PCG are supposed to do.

[Fred Bloggs]

Only professional subs that are on list 3 are allowable for tax.

[Wanderer]

The only drawback being that membership of the PCG doesn't appear to be a tax deductible expense which is a shame.

I don't see why you can't claim it, I mean would you join the PCG if you weren't a contractor???

If HMRC don't like to see it as a professional subscription then just put it down as legal expenses. I'd like to see them disallow it and the PCG legal team take on the argument. You might lose, but it it would be great to watch the fight.

[Fred Bloggs]

If you are a member of a professional body, IMechE, IET, BCS etc... Try asking them. Sometimes these bodies have contracts available for consulting members to use in their businesses.

[northernladuk]

A) Whatever you find get someone else that knows what they are doing to review it. You English is appalling so can't see how you can understand the finer points of a legal contract.

B) It doesn't matter what the contract says. It is your working practices that they will look at. You can have a perfect IR35 compliant contract but if your client is directing you, no mutuality etc you will fail and get caught.