Dec / 10
HMRC Releases New CEST Tool
HMRC has released an updated version of its CEST tool ahead of next April’s reforms. The previous tool was heavily criticised for failing to take key status tests such as ‘MOO’ and ‘Being in Business’ into consideration when determining if IR35 applied. There was also insufficient guidance notes for cases that were more complex, meaning
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Dec / 6
Parties Promise IR35 Review
The Lib Dems, Labour, the SNP, the Green Party and the Conservatives have all promised to review the roll-out of IR35 reforms to the private sector if they are elected to power. The Lib Dems were the first to include a pledge within their manifesto on the November 20th, with the Conservatives latecomers to the
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Nov / 28
Transport for London Face IR35 Tax Probe
HMRC has launched preliminary IR35 investigations into Transport for London (TfL). The public sector organisation was approached by HMRC, who asked for information about its limited company contractors. There are fears that this is another fishing exercise that could result in an outcome similar to that of NHS Digital. The public organisation is currently facing
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Nov / 25
Companies Rethink Limited Company Ban
There are signs that firms may be rethinking their ban on limited companies ahead of next April’s IR35 reforms. The example set by influential banks such as Lloyds, Barclays and HSBC has caused a number of companies to adopt a similar ‘PAYE only’ policy, with asset management firms Royal London and Northern Asset Management the
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Nov / 22
IR35 reforms to go ahead despite Budget delays
The government has confirmed that they remain committed to introducing IR35 reforms to the private sector in April 2020. While many people had hoped that the delayed budget and impending December election might stall the roll-out, HMRC are holding firm to their plans. With no final legislation on the table, there’s been growing unease in
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Nov / 11
Victory for TV Presenter at IR35 Tribunal
Television presenter Helen Fospero has defeated HMRC at a tax tribunal in the latest media industry IR35 case. Fospero successfully disputed a tax bill of £80,000 concerning engagements between her limited company, Canal Street Productions Ltd, and ITV during 2012-13 and 2013-14. Fospero’s presenting work outside of ITV was crucial in establishing that she was
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Nov / 8
IT Contractor Wins Case Against HMRC
A professional IT consultant has defeated HMRC in an IR35 tribunal case, which has again highlighted many of the concerns surrounding IR35. Richard Alcock successfully appealed a HMRC tax bill concerning engagements entered into by his limited company, RALC Consulting Ltd, between 2010 and 2015. Alcock worked on a series of assignments with former employer
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Nov / 6
CEST Costs NHS Digital £4.3 Million
It has been reported that NHS Digital is facing a £4.3m tax bill for the period April 2017 – December 2018. The tax bill, which includes interest and penalties, was issued after HMRC investigated a large number of IR35 status assessments made using its own online assessment tool, CEST. NHS Digital’s Annual report details how
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Oct / 30
BBC Presenter’s IR35 Appeal Dismissed
The Upper Tribunal have dismissed the appeal of former BBC Look North presenter Christa Ackroyd. Ms Ackroyd was looking to overturn the previous decision of a First Tier Tribunal in February 2018, which ruled that she owed nearly £420,000 in outstanding tax. The former Look North presenter’s case concerned the tax years 2006/07 to 2012/13,
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Oct / 29
IPSE Respond to HMRC Briefing on Off-Payroll Reforms
The IPSE has responded to HMRC’s Briefing on reforms to the Off-Payroll Rules published on October 22nd. The Briefing document gives a brief summary of the off-payroll reforms, which will see the responsibility for IR35 assessments shift from the limited company contractor to the client engaging their services. HMRC reaffirm their belief that the reforms
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