This article explains how tax avoidance schemes are targeting key workers – especially those who are returning to work as an extra line of defence against the coronavirus. It will also summarise the serious threats to recruitment agencies, and what you must to do to remain compliant and avoid penalties from HMRC.
The coronavirus pandemic has put monumental stress on key workers in the UK, including NHS staff, carers and emergency workers. To show their appreciation, businesses have been offering key workers special discounts and offers. However, HMRC has been made aware of multiple tax avoidance schemes that have been targeting key workers (especially NHS) and trying to mislead them into avoiding their legal tax responsibilities.
If we rewind to 17th March this year, the Government announced they would be delaying off-payroll (IR35) in the private sector by 12 months. However, despite the delay, they have faced much scrutiny from professional bodies, temporary workers and employment agencies – because they all believe the legislation should be overhauled, or scrapped entirely.
In a bid to seek definitive clarification from the government regarding furlough pay for agency workers (and those using umbrella companies), five of the UK’s leading professional bodies have come together. APSCo, FCSA, Professional Passport, REC and TEAM have all joined forces and have collectively written to the government asking for vital information that will impact over 1 million agency workers and umbrella company employees.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak has delivered his first Budget in the House of Commons, announcing the government’s plans regarding benefits, tax, spending and the wider economy. But what does it mean for your financial health and has there been an update or amendment to off-payroll legislation?
Under new employment legislation, agency workers and contractors working through umbrella companies (or other payroll intermediaries) will be entitled to a Key Information Document before a contract is agreed and signed.
There are many reasons why you might consider closing down your limited company and start contracting through an umbrella company. Whatever the reason for switching, you will need to consider the process of closing down your company and ensure you thoroughly research umbrella companies.
‘Off-payroll working in the private sector’ is fast approaching and as a recruitment agency you should have a strategy in place to minimise its impact on the business, consultants and your candidates. As a compliant and well-established umbrella company, Churchill Knight Umbrella has made it our priority to educate and give recruitment professionals the tools to safeguard their agency.
In April 2020, the government will introduce a new 2% tax on the revenues of online marketplaces, search engines and social media platforms which derive value from UK users.
A tax avoidance scheme is a system that is set up to increase take home pay by avoiding tax, whether that be via offshore loan schemes, trusts, or job boards. HMRC is cracking down on these schemes more than ever and targeting contractors for unpaid tax.
