The two seminars, held at the London Connaught Rooms, saw attendees coming from as far a field as Wales, Aberdeen and even Belgium.
Anne Redston, Partner at Ernst & Young, and Dave Smith from Accountax- who have both written comprehensive books on the legislation- joined Kevin Miller, PCG Director and Ben Chaplin/ Steve Greenwell from Qdos Consulting, to give definitive presentations on protecting against IR35.
Jane Akshar, PCG Chairman, also spoke about the PCG's recent decision to proceed with its case law strategy.
Kevin Miller opened the seminars by speaking about the reasonable steps a contractor must take to prove to the Revenue they are in business on their own account. He spoke about the importance of case law in defining status and addressed the issues of 'risk' and the 'client contract confirmation procedure.'
Anne Redston spoke primarily on the importance of the three 'silver bullets' against IR35, 'Mutuality of Obligation,' 'Substitution' and 'Control.' She outlined case law that had influenced the Revenue's thinking when challenging the self-employed.
The seminar panel: (l-r) Kevin Miller, Anne Redston, Dave Smith, Steve Greenwell, Jane Akshar, Andy White |
Dave Smith told attendees in his presentation that IR35: "…is not a difficult tax to beat if you know how it works; you know all of the issues and you know how to defend yourself"- he then explained how to do this from his unique 'insider perspective' of being an ex-Revenue inspector.
David spoke about the psychology the Revenue use when they approach contractors and the legal standing of meeting with them. He also addressed the issues of penalties as well as the importance of 'Preparation, Preparation, Preparation' when dealing with the Revenue at the General and Special Commissioners. He advised contractors of the necessary tactics and strategy they should use to emerge victorious from a Revenue challenge.
There was also a question and answer session where members of the audience were given an opportunity to put questions to the panel.
Contractors who attended the seminars said:
"Obvious, simple questions were simply answered that clarified status tests and the probabilities of being caught by IR35. The whole event showed in every aspect of the afternoon, that 'Professional' in PCG is no empty timetable for case law strategy."
"The best thing about the seminars was seeing the number of people and resources working on behalf of a fair deal for contractors."
"I now know I can win!"
"It has really helped me to start to understand the issues and to settle my nerves and give me the confidence, skill and knowledge to fight IR35."
"It confirmed I was right in my decision to state that I am outside of IR35."
Agents who attended said:
"The Q&A session was very helpful due to the diversity of the questions."
"Good, well-presented, information- easily digestible and great to see continued support across the industry."
"The best thing about the seminar was the commitment to succeed that came across."
Accountants said:
"The best thing was pulling all the current points together by explaining all fields."
"Best thing was moral support. I fell inspired to really sort out all the things I knew needed doing but felt it pointless to do. Thank you."
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Richard Powell, Shout99
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