Scammers Continue To Target Contractors

It has been brought to Independent Contractor Services’ attention that there is yet another phishing email in circulation targeting thousands of people, including contractors, stating they are due a tax refund from HM Revenue and Customs.
HMRC would, once again, like to highlight that these emails are not from them and they are phishing emails. They [...]

HMRC Embraces New Technologies

In a bid to be more in tune with UK citizens, HM Revenue and Customs are increasingly using new technologies as they strive to keep us updated with changes in legislation, online filing and much more.  They have a blog which is updated regularly and also a Twitter page.
Their most recent addition is the podcast. [...]

HMRC Advises Contractors On Their Tax Records

HMRC today issued a new guide which is aimed to advise all individuals and businesses on a number of issues regarding tax but most importantly how long you should keep your tax and accounting records for.
They advise that all contractors and businesses to keep all your tax records for at least 6 years. If you [...]

Record Numbers File Tax Return Online

The deadline for online submission of all self-assessment tax returns passed on Sunday, 31st January and it has been revealed that 2010 saw a record number of people submit their tax returns online since the online submissions began. Nearly 6.5 million people filed on the internet ahead of Sunday’s deadline, up from 5.8 million the [...]

Contractors, Is Your Tax Code Correct?

Incorrect tax codes may have been sent out by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) because of an error in their new PAYE system. These codes tell taxpayers how much their employers and pension firms will deduct in income tax in the coming financial year, 2010-11.
The Chartered Institute of Taxation (CIOT) has today called on HMRC [...]

Deadline for Self Assessment Tax Return Looms

This is just a reminder to all contractors who have completed a Self Assessment tax return for 2008/09 to file it online before the end of January.
The deadline for paper returns fell may months ago in October, so if you haven’t already, you must submit your tax return online and by 31st January, 2010.
HM Revenue and Customs [...]

HMRC Increasingly Relying on Substitution Clauses

Contractor UK this week warned contractors who work via an agency that HMRC were beginning to rely on right of substitution clauses to launch IR35 investigations.
Right of substitution is the ability of a contractor to send someone else in their place to complete a role, and is one of the official tests used to establish [...]

HMRC Promise Honesty and Integrity In The Taxpayers Charter

HMRC have launched their Charter, which aims to positively change the experience a customer has with HMRC. In the charter, they detail how, we, the customer will be treated by all employees of HMRC but they do have expectations from us.
Contractor Calculator discusses whether the charter is merely HMRC’s attempt to be seen to be [...]

Six People Arrested Following HMRC Raids

HM Revenue and Customs raided a number of addresses throughout the UK today and as a result, six people have been arrested. They are suspected to be involved in a £4 million tax fraud.
The alleged offences include income tax, VAT and corporation tax evasion, construction industry fraud and money laundering.
A residential property in Llandaff, Cardiff; [...]

Self-Assessment Deadline Approaches For Contractors

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) have today released a statement relating to self-assessment tax returns as the deadline for paper returns nears.
The Communications Workers Union has announced to Royal Mail their intention to hold two national strikes this week on 22 and 23 October, and further industrial action has not been ruled out. This is [...]