Contractors - Umbrealla/Accountant Recommendations please?

[Nish]

Hey all,

been contracting a while now but with my latest one they are refusing to let me use the umbrella company i usually use (offshore).

Does anybody have recommendations for umbrella companies or accountants who could help me go limited?

If i take the limited route I need to set it all up from scratch, nothing in place.

Thanks

[Eric Mc]

You will find that many accountants are beginning to get a bit wary of anything "offshore".

[Nish]

Hi Eric,

That is exactly what I am finding.

I'll be honest, the returns were good and everything worked like clockwork.

Its about time I got out and found a better solution. I have been recommended SJD Accounting who do everything required for £95 + VAT per month.

Does this sound reasonable to people?

Again, I apologise, I now everything about Umbrella Companies but literally nothing about going Limited.

[UpTheIron]

1. Limited or Umbrella? I doubt your offshore setup was either, but closest to a PAYE umbrella setup.

2. If Limited, how much effort will you put in? Some Accountants will do more than others for their fees. Plenty of "accountancy firms" starting at about £60/month to help you manage your Ltd company, but at the lower end of the expect impersonal, supermarket customer service from a bookkeeper, not face to face with a Chartered Accountant.

3. What is the IR35 status of the contract?

4. How long do you plan to use the new arrangement for - going Ltd will be less cost efficient initially (start up costs, annual filing etc etc)

5. (Off topic slightly) - which offshore setup were you using and what are your thoughts about BN66?

Edited by UpTheIron on Friday 9th May 14:19

Edited by UpTheIron on Friday 9th May 14:20

[Nish]

2. If Limited, how much effort will you put in? Some Accountants will do more than others for their fees. Plenty of "accountancy firms" starting at about £60/month to help you manage your Ltd company, but at the lower end of the expect impersonal, supermarket customer service from a bookkeeper, not face to face with a Chartered Accountant.

Honestly, I don't really have the time or patience for doing this myself in any way shape or form. So if £60 a month is a rough starting point, £95 a month seems fairish for reduced hassle.

3. What is the IR35 status of the contract?

Outside

4. How long do you plan to use the new arrangement for - going Ltd will be less cost efficient initially (start up costs, annual filing etc etc)

Been contracting for approx 3 years, plan to keep doing so for a few years yet if possible.

5. (Off topic slightly) - which offshore setup were you using and what are your thoughts about BN66?

I was with Batchworth Management.

BN66 is the double tax treaty situation?

As with all these things, the original rule was bent out of shape pretty badly, I mean none of us live in IOM for a start or are "based" there personally. My view on these things is bend the rules when possible, if the loophole is closed remember the good times!

I did hear they are trying to retrospectively date it to 1987 though??

This bit is ridiculous, I thought you could only go to 2002, though I admit I have no idea why.

Edited by UpTheIron on Friday 9th May 14:19

Edited by UpTheIron on Friday 9th May 14:20

[/quote]

[UpTheIron]

SJD have a pretty good reputation. I use Quay Accounting who are firmly at the "sausage factory" end of the scale, but it's not much hassle - 45 minutes / an hour a month or so.

Head over to www.contractoruk.com - lots of advice in the forums there.

[ginettag27]

What sort of stuff? IT?

I can recommend someone, Bernard Rogers... http://www.bernard-rogers.co.uk/default.aspx

He's / they're listed on PCG.. http://www.pcg.org.uk/cms/index.php?option=com_con...

I'll PM you a contact email,etc..

[Jubal]

My pal does this, tell him I sent ya:

www.skypayrollservices.co.uk

Cheers