Frequently asked questions
IR35 is legislation introduced by the government in 2000 to ensure ‘disguised employees’ pay their fair share of tax. A temporary assignment is either inside IR35 or outside IR35, and it’s the end hirers' responsibility to make a fair and accurate determination.
A payroll management service streamlines your finances by handling tax deductions, National Insurance contributions, and other payroll-related tasks. This service saves you time, reduces administrative stress, and ensures you remain tax-compliant without the need for self-assessment filings related to your contracted work.
Payroll management companies operate under PAYE (Pay As You Earn), calculating and deducting income tax and National Insurance contributions before paying you. This setup reduces the risk of underpayment or penalties, as taxes are handled directly and in line with HMRC guidelines.
Yes, as an employee of a payroll management service, you are typically entitled to statutory benefits, such as holiday pay, sick pay, maternity/paternity leave, and access to a workplace pension. These benefits provide financial security, especially in contracting roles that may lack long-term guarantees.
Once your timesheet or work hours are approved by the client, the payroll management service invoices them directly. After the client’s payment is received, they calculate and deduct applicable taxes and fees, then process your final payment. This ensures timely payments without additional administrative work on your end.
Most payroll services offer weekly or monthly payment cycles, depending on the agreed terms with your client. You can check with the provider about their specific schedule to ensure it aligns with your cash flow needs.
Yes, fee structures can vary. Some companies charge a fixed weekly or monthly rate, while others take a percentage of your earnings. Be sure to clarify what the fee covers, including any hidden charges, to avoid unexpected deductions from your pay.
When selecting a provider, it’s important to consider their fee structure, reputation, compliance with industry standards, and level of customer support. Look for transparent pricing, positive reviews, and accreditations from industry organizations to ensure a reliable partnership.
As a sole trader, you’re responsible for invoicing clients, managing your taxes, and handling compliance. With a payroll management provider, these responsibilities are handled for you, reducing administrative tasks and ensuring all tax and legal requirements are met.
PAYE (Pay As You Earn) is a UK tax system where income tax and National Insurance contributions are deducted directly from earnings before payment. This method simplifies tax compliance, as it eliminates the need for self-assessment filings for most employed earnings.
In some cases, certain work-related expenses may be eligible for deduction, such as travel or equipment costs. However, recent UK tax regulations limit these claims, so it’s best to check with your provider to understand what expenses are allowable under their policies.
Yes, payroll management companies are designed to ensure compliance with IR35 legislation, as they employ contractors directly and handle tax deductions accordingly. This reduces the risk of additional tax liabilities that contractors might face under IR35 regulations.
If you work as a contractor or freelancer and want to avoid the complexities of managing your own taxes and payroll, a payroll management service can be highly beneficial. It’s particularly suitable for those who have short-term or temporary contracts and need consistent, compliant payment processing.
Many payroll providers offer additional services, such as financial advice, IR35 assessments, and career development resources. These extras can be valuable, especially if you’re new to contracting or looking for guidance on tax planning.
If you choose to end your contract, most payroll management companies have straightforward exit policies. Check the terms of your agreement to understand any notice requirements or other end-of-service protocols.
