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Contractor and freelancers – how to do your own accounts

Contractor and freelancers – how to do your own accounts

As a contractor or freelancer you will need to make sure your accounts are always up to date for tax reasons as well as for a number of other reasons. If you want to apply for a loan or mortgage the bank will want to see your accounts, any new customers may want to see [...]

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Missing the deadline for tax returns could prove expensive for contractors

Missing the deadline for tax returns could prove expensive for contractors

Today is the government’s official deadline for filing your self assessment tax return if you are self employed or a contractor working through your own limited company. With repeated warnings sent out to contractors throughout the year reminding them of the paper return deadline in October and then the January 31st deadline today, there should [...]

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IR35 explained

IR35 explained

One of the most important legal rules for contractors and freelance worker is IR35, which affects the tax conditions for every contractor. This can be difficult to understand so here is a very basic explanation to help you to know where you stand. IR35 is a rule brought in my the government to help bring [...]

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January 31st – self-assessment deadline

January 31st – self-assessment deadline

If you are a contractor, freelancer or consultant the chances are you are aware that January 31st is the deadline for your self-assessment.  A lot of freelancers and contractors choose to do their books and accounts themselves but it is important that you are aware of a few things. It is vital that you complete [...]

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How to protect yourself as a contractor

How to protect yourself as a contractor

Being a contractor can mean a certain degree of flexibility.  Freelancing, contracting and consulting will give you the freedom that a permanent job simply won’t.  However, the downside is that you are the one looking out for yourself.  That means, should you fall ill or become unfit for work, you could stand to lose out. [...]

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Give your CV a makeover this new year

Give your CV a makeover this new year

As the new year kicks into full swing it can often be a time of change.  Perhaps it is time for a new job or a new contract?  If so then it is important that you get your CV up to scratch.  Take some time to look over your current CV and give it the [...]

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How much income tax should you be setting aside?

How much income tax should you be setting aside?

When it comes to paying income tax as a contractor it is important that you don’t leave yourself short.  The best advice is to only draw your dividends when you have enough in there to cover your contract accounts. Finances, especially in this tough economic climate, need to be in order.  You should always make [...]

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Money talks

Money talks

As a contractor, consultant or freelancer running your own company, deciding what you should pay yourself can actually be quite confusing.  It may seem like a daft question but it is in fact one of the most commonly asked questions for those running their own limited company. So what salary should you take? At the [...]

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Business Link To Wind Up In Near Future

Business Link To Wind Up In Near Future

Business Link, which is a government backed venture is set to be wound down by the end of 2011 in order to conclude the closure of the regional centres from November. As of the end of November, the various offices of Business Link as well as the services that they offer will be wound up. [...]

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Guidance Available From HMRC For New Self Employed Contractors

Guidance Available From HMRC For New Self Employed Contractors

HMRC have this week issued guidance to new contractors who have registered as self employed. The guidance is aimed at those awaiting their first tax bill from HMRC. According to HMRC, when a person starts self-employment, they will be waiting for some time before their first tax bill lands on the door mat so they [...]

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