Freelancers' Shop

Newsletter 387: IR35 Forum 'locked in disagreement' over tests

by Newsletter Editor at 10:15 05/04/12 ( Shout99 Newsletter)

Freelancers must feel that with IR35 it is one step forward and two steps back. Some of the greyness of IR35 was meant to be removed this month with the publication of a series of tests bringing clarity to contractors and allowing them to assess their risk of a Revenue challenge. However, the tests themselves are now proving to add more controversy to an already controversial subject.

The IR35 Forum, including freelancer trade group the PCG, devised, approved and agreed the specific tests which gives freelancers a 'high', 'medium' or 'low' risk of an IR35 challenge. But the PCG has now described the questions as 'insufficient' and says they are 'locked in disagreement with the Revenue over the scoring of the tests'. And with just days before the tests are published, the PCG has warned that: "Unless the Revenue change their stance on the scoring, PCG and other Forum members will not be able to support the Business Tests." So after more than 12 months, half a dozen meetings and considerable drafting and re-drafting, the exercise which was meant to bring clarity to contractors is still bogged down in dispute and disagreement. It begs the question that if some of the most clued-up IR35 practitioners and HMRC's senior IR35 staff can't agree a series of a dozen questions and answers to help a contractor assess the risk of an IR35 investigation, what hope for a contractor trying to assess his or her actual status! IR35 Forum 'locked in disagreement' IR35 Forum: Risk checker available in April *********************** Other news from Shout99 *********************** AWR has been rallying call not final call HMRC campaign leads to prison sentence Criticism for removing paper VAT returns First rise in IT businesses for two years Regulation watchdog needs sharp teeth In Ask An Expert, the professionals answer your latest questions, including changing from a sole trader to a limited company. Letters from Freelancers opens up discussions on a number of subjects of interest to freelancers, including a petition relating to anti-hacking legislation, and banking. The Clubhouse is an off-topic discussion area for more light-hearted subjects or general 'get it off your chest' issues. **************************************** Direct Contracts - Senior Java Developer **************************************** Two direct contracts are available for Senior Java Developer/Application Support Engineers with an established online auction operator based in SE1 (London). The primary focus is on eCommerce, Internet Auctions and White-labelling products. Applications to: jobs@shout99.com. Senior Java Developer/Application Support Engineer (x 2) ******** 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. ************* Hardhatter ************* Shout99 has a sister site, Hardhatter for small firms - and those who work with them - in the construction industry. It's free to register and contains news and information, including the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS). www.hardhatter.com -- Susie Hughes, Editor Newsletter 387 Shout99 - the network for freelancers www.shout99.com -- Tweet

Printer Version

Copyright 1999-2012, Shout99.com | All Rights Reserved | Legal Notice