After implementation in public sector, contractor have been expecting the news for private sector too.
The chancellor has gone forward with the extension of the off-payroll working rules (IR35) to the private sector. But after some recent legal cases it has been decided that the matter will be dealt with care so the impetation has been been delayed to April 2020.
From April 2020, IR35 will be extended to private sector. This means the organisation provding work (agency or direct client) will be the ones to decide if the contractor falls under IR35 or not. If it is determined that the contractor fall under IR35 then they will need to deduct income tax and employee NICs and pay employer NICs.
HMRC will not carry out targeted campaigns into previous years when individuals start paying employment taxes under IR35 for the first time following the reform, and businesses’ decisions about whether their workers fall within the IR35 rules will not automatically trigger an enquiry into earlier years.
Here is a recent legal case that established contractor relation with the organisation
MDCM Ltd v HMRC, 19 March 2018
Construction contractor Mark Daniels won his appeal over a contract covering the 2012/13 and 2013/14 tax years. During this time, his services were engaged by Structure Tone Limited (STL) via Solutions Recruitment Limited. HMRC argued that the engagement amounted to a contract of employment between Daniels and STL.
The judgment suggests that a contractor who is not controlled, is paid a daily rate, has no notice period or benefits, and is not part and parcel, should not be caught by the IR35 rules.
Although good news for the contractor, an examination of the judgment suggests that some case law was given limited consideration, which could leave the door open for an appeal to the upper tribunal by HMRC.
MDCM Ltd v HMRC: key factors
As with many recent IR35 cases, control was the key factor, with the tribunal ruling there was insufficient evidence to support HMRC’s claim that Daniels was controlled by STL.
Other key factors impacting Daniels’ IR35 status, according to the tribunal, included the following:
- There was no requirement for either party to give notice to terminate the contract.
- Daniels wasn’t considered to be integrated into the STL business.
- Daniels was required to pay his own expenses.
If you are a contractor in private sector, contact us on 01417750070 or www.patax.co.uk
