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Choose PayStream for limited company services

Choosing to work on a limited company basis has significant advantages for contractors and small businesses, but also involves a lot of paperwork, including VAT and tax returns.

But there is a way to enjoy the financial benefits of operating as a limited company contractor, without all the hassle.

PayStream's My PSC service can help you to cut down on the amount of work involved in running your own business by assisting you with all of administrative and accounting tasks required, leaving you free to focus on winning new customers and meeting deadlines.

Why set up a limited company?

There are three main reasons contractors opt for limited company status – protection from business debts, clients prefer it and potentially significant financial advantages.

Limited company status is attractive to agencies and other customers when they select contractors for assignments.

They do not want to take on responsibility for an employee-employer relationship and prefer to use a contract for services with a limited company when they wish to have a specific project carried out.

Assuming you fall outside IR35, there are also financial benefits to setting up a personal service company.

You may choose to use different methods to remunerate yourself, helping to minimise the amount of tax you pay and increase your net wages.

But to do this yourself requires a good understanding of tax regulations and allowable expenses, and you must be prepared to spend time completing VAT returns and other documentation.

You may discover it is easier and more cost effective to allow a team of accountants experienced in working with contractors to assist you in managing your company's financial affairs.

How does PayStream's limited company service work?

PayStream can take much of the hassle out of setting up and running a limited company for contactors who fall outside IR35.

We have a team of expert accountants who can guide you through the process of establishing a limited company and then running it.

Our My PSC service will carry out services such as raising invoices on your company’s behalf, producing tax returns and advising you when to make a tax payment and how much to pay. We may also provide you with management accounts every time your agency make payment into your business bank account telling you how much money to retain for future tax payments and how much is available to withdraw, leaving you free to concentrate on securing the most lucrative assignments.

As our staff all specialise in working with contractors they can provide advice on issues such as IR35 compliance, as well as completing tax returns, VAT returns and all the statutory documentation required by HM Revenue & Customs and Companies House.

You can also be assured that PayStream's team will advise of the most tax-efficient way for you to take money out of the company, allowing you to maximise your take home pay.

The services will not reduce your control of the business and you will continue to be free to choose which projects you accept.
 

Why choose My PSC from PayStream?

We have been providing payroll and accountancy services to limited company contractors for more than 10 years and have unrivalled experience in the market.

Our My PSC package can be used for as little as £116 + VAT a month and your dedicated account manager will help you offset part of the cost against tax, so the actual cost could be as little as £93 a month.

For more information about My PSC or to receive a free personalised, no-obligation quote, call us on 0800 197 6516 or contact us via the PayStream website.

 

How to form a limited company

Limited company contractors are required to keep detailed and accurate accounts.

If you are confident that you will fall outside of the IR35 regulations and would like to minimise your tax burden, then you should be looking to operate as a limited company contractor. But how do you go about setting up a limited company?

Umbrella vs limited company – which is right for you?

There are several things to consider when deciding how to operate

If you're looking to become a contractor, then you need to consider the two main options open to you – operating as a limited company or using an umbrella company. However, you must also be aware that this decision may be taken away from you.

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Make sure you keep on top of allowable expenses

Working for yourself makes for an incredibly exciting career choice. Not only do you get the chance to set your own hours and choose the projects that excite you the most, but it enables you to operate in a highly tax-efficient manner. Being self-employed also potentially allows you to receive a significantly higher income in comparison to doing the same kind of work as a permanent full-time employee, most notably as you could off-set tax against the expenses that you incur.

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Make sure you're aware of the new RTI system

Being a contractor gives professionals the freedom to select their own working hours and choose the projects they work on; however, with that comes the need to look after their own payroll and tax issues. With HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) set to introduce a new payroll reporting system later this year, now is the time for professionals to make certain they are aware of the changes this will entail.

Health and safety issues for contractors to consider

Contractors need to stay safe while they work

While being a contractor gives you the freedom to set your own hours and choose the projects that interest you the most, you need to remember that there are many things that you need to take care of beyond the current assignments you're working on. These include, among others, sorting out expenses and making sure that you pay the right amount of tax. Another area that also requires great consideration is safety.

Tips for contractors to prepare for a tax inspection

Make sure you're ready for a tax inspection

Being a contractor sees you have the freedom to choose your own business hours and what projects you work on, but it also means you are responsible for keeping on top of your tax affairs. As such, you should be prepared to have a VAT review from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). Read on to find out more.

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2012 was a good year for IT contractors

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Contractors need to be professional at all times

One of the most exciting things about being a contractor is having the freedom to work on a range of different projects, although it does mean you always need to be looking to source new contracts. Given the ongoing difficulties in the global economy, it has become more important than ever to do everything possible to get work from agencies.

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Auto-enrolment could impact on contractors

At the start of October 2012, the government launched its auto-enrolment pension initiative as part of efforts to help all workers be able to make adequate financial preparations for retirement. As auto-enrolment is set to see each employer automatically enrol staff on to a workplace pension scheme, now is the time for contractors to consider what impact it will have on their operations.

Advice for keeping on top of expenses

Staying on top of expenses is vital

If you're a contractor, it's vital you manage your financial records closely and ensure your expenses are in order. While, admittedly, you might find you are unable to devote as much time to doing this as you would like, particularly when attempting to obtain contracts and working on existing projects, it is incredibly important that you pay close attention to this.

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How do you set up a limited company?

Setting up a limited company is not difficult

If you have decided on the limited company structure, you need to know how to go about setting up the firm. There are various steps you need to take, although the overall process is relatively straightforward.

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SMEs can benefit from hiring contractors

New research has shown that small and medium-sized enterprises can benefit financially by taking on contractors to complete tasks as opposed to hiring a permanent member of staff. However, the study also highlighted the need for IR35 compliance.

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Social networks can have some benefits

Social media has become part of everyday life for many people, however, aside from the social benefits, what use are sites such as LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter to contractors from a professional point of view?

Questions to ask accountancy services providers

You could benefit from accountancy services

Many contractors who operate through limited companies hire accountancy services providers to take care of their book keeping and other administrative needs. If you intend to do this, you need to ask certain questions of each provider before signing.

What is the IR35 business entity test for contractors?

Are you inside IR35?

HMRC is set to release a new test for limited company contractors to help them ascertain their IR35 status. The test is not a replacement for the law but designed to help contractors determine whether they are inside or outside the legislation.

FAQs about IR35 legislation

HMRC can investigate contractors

If you choose to set up a limited company, you need to be aware of IR35 and the importance of complying with the it. IR35 was introduced to stop contractors operating as disguised employees which meant they could reduce their tax liabilities.

A glossary of important terms for contractors

Contractors have a lot to think about

If you plan on becoming a contractor, there are words and phrases you need to understand. Depending on whether you work through an umbrella company or set up a limited company, you need to understand certain terms relating to tax and other issues.

FAQs about umbrella companies

Umbrella companies provide valuable services

If you are considering becoming a contractor, you need to know about umbrella companies and what they do. Many new contractors use umbrella companies, as they take care of the administrative side of their affairs and ensure they pay the right tax.

FAQs about limited companies

Many contractors set up limited companies

Many contractors choose to set up a limited company thanks to the various tax benefits and the limited liability should the business fold. If you are new to contracting, it is important you know all about limited companies and how they work.

What does setting up a limited company involve?

You must register with Companies House

Establishing your own limited company has many benefits and it is something many contractors are doing. In order to trade as a limited company, you must first register with Companies House and provide certain pieces of information.

Why have umbrella companies grown in popularity?

An umbrella company can help you

In recent years, the number of contractors employing the services of an umbrella company has grown significantly. There are several reasons for this, including convenience and the fact that they can handle issues such as tax and payroll processing.

Why it pays for contractors to use accountancy services

Accounting services can be useful

Accountancy services can save you time and possibly problems with your tax returns and other financial matters. As a contractor, you are responsible for your taxes, so if you are unsure about this area, employing experts can relieve the burden.

What are the benefits of setting up a limited company?

Setting up a limited company could make sense

There are lots of benefits to setting up a limited company, including tax advantages and the limited liability shareholders are exposed to. If you are unfamiliar with setting up a limited company, there are companies that can help you through it.

Benefits of umbrella companies for contractors

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Top tips for choosing an umbrella company

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If you are a contractor, you may be considering securing the services of an umbrella company in order to get some help with your accountancy and administrative commitments. So, just how do you go about choosing such an accountancy service provider?

What help is available for people setting up a limited company?

Help is at hand for limited companies

A limited company is defined by the liability of its members being in proportion to what they have guaranteed to or invested in the firm. However, to make sure the business gets off to a good start, people might want to ask for outside help, of which there is plenty.

When might you need the services of an umbrella company?

When might you need the services of an umbrella company?

If you have recently become a contractor, you might find you require the services of an umbrella company. While it is not a legal obligation to work with such a firm, it can have many benefits for you and your business by saving you time and hassle.

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