Accountants for freelancers
and contractors
Day rates, IR35, salary and dividends: contracting has its own tax world. We live in it, so you can focus on the work.
Limited company or umbrella?
The decision that moves thousands of pounds a year.
Your own limited company
- Small salary plus dividends, planned each year
- Claim legitimate business expenses
- Keep profits in the company for lower-income years
- Corporation tax instead of full income tax and NI
Umbrella / agency payroll
- Zero admin, quick to start
- Full income tax and both NICs on everything
- No expense claims worth having
- No planning levers at all
The numbers every contractor should know
Set up once, properly
Contracting through a limited company is usually the most tax-efficient way to work, but only if it is set up and run properly. Pay yourself the wrong way and you leave thousands with HMRC. Ignore IR35 and you risk far worse.
- IR35 status guidance on your contracts, in plain English
- Annual salary and dividend planning matched to your income
- Company accounts, personal tax return and payroll all covered
- Advice when moving between inside and outside IR35 roles
Why contractors choose us
Contractor questions, answered
More questions? See our full FAQ for answers on tax, IR35 and running a business.
Should I contract through a limited company or an umbrella?
It depends on your day rate, your contracts and IR35 status. As a rough guide, outside-IR35 contractors usually keep significantly more through a limited company. Not sure what to charge? Our day rate calculator works backwards from your target income. We will run the numbers for your situation on a free call.
Can you help me decide my IR35 status?
We review your contracts and working practices and explain where you likely sit, in plain English. For borderline cases we can point you to a specialist contract review as well.
As a contractor, what's the most tax-efficient way to draw money from my company?
For most one-director companies it is a small salary plus dividends, reviewed each tax year as thresholds change. We plan this with you every year, not just at year-end.
I already have an accountant. Is switching painful?
No. You sign one letter and we handle the rest: professional clearance, records, and HMRC agent registration. Most switches complete within two weeks.
Talk to a contractor specialist
Book a free call and find out exactly what you would take home, and what it costs to have it all handled.