Newsletter 400: IR35 investigations double as taxman gets tough

by Newsletter Editor at 10:15 03/10/12 ( Shout99 Newsletter)

New figures released show that the taxman's is stepping up IR35 activity. Tax take from IR35 investigations has increased five fold in a year to over £1 million - and the number of investigations being opened against freelancers has doubled in the same period.

The increase confirms HMRC's 'get-tough' approach to what it sees as general tax avoidance and more specifically against freelancers and contractors in the aftermath of the huge criticism aimed at the Government this year over senior public sector workers who were operating through limited companies to avoid tax and NICs. IR35 investigations double and tax yield up five times And now the Government has tightened up its internal procedure of contracting with freelancers, the Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Danny Alexander, has warned private sector firms to get their acts in order if they want to do business with Government Departments. Firms warned to play by the Government's rules ********************************************** Advertisement - Freelancer Outside IR35 (FO35) ********************************************** Advertisement Protection against disputes with HMRC on tax matters, including IR35, is available for £116.00 a year. Freelancers Outside IR35 (FO35) is available online for immediate cover for £116.00 a year. For more information or to order, see......Freelancers Outside IR35 (FO35). ********************** Other news in Shout99 ********************** HMRC widens the net on its tax crackdown The high cost of the agency workers rules Low awareness of agency rights one year on HMRC invites small firms to sign up for email help Freelancer feedback from the LibDem fringe One week to go for HMRC late tax returns campaign 'Challenger' businesses to be freed from Red Tape Greater flexible working could be positive legacy of recession Young entrepreneurs get access to first start-up loans In Ask An Expert, the professionals answer your latest questions, including working in the Netherlands; and flat rate VAT. Letters from Freelancers opens up discussions on a number of subjects of interest to freelancers. ******** Twitter ******** For the twitters and tweeters among our readers, Shout99 has joined the world of social media. You can follow our headline news on Twitter....www.twitter.com/Shout99Ltd ************************ Shout99 - Newsletter ************************ Please feel free to forward this newsletter to any other freelancer or small businesses who may be interested in news and information related to running a small business. You can subscribe to receive your own free copy of this newsletter on the home page of Shout99. -- Susie Hughes, Editor Newsletter 400 Shout99 - the network for freelancers www.shout99.com Tweet

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