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Rochester, Kent

IR35 Rules for Contractors in Kent (2025 Guide)

Expert IR35 assessments, contract reviews, and ongoing compliance support to protect your contracting income and reputation. IR35 assessments from £200, ongoing support packages available.

TL;DRQuick Summary

1

IR35 determines whether contractors should be taxed as employees - getting it wrong can cost thousands in back-taxes and penalties.

2

Get a professional IR35 assessment to protect your contracting business and ensure compliant working arrangements.

What are IR35 Rules?

IR35 (off-payroll working) rules determine whether contractors working through their own companies should be taxed as if they were employees. The rules apply to both public and private sector engagements.

Industry-Specific Notes for contractors and freelancers

  • IT contractors are heavily scrutinised - software development, project management, and technical consulting roles often fall inside IR35

  • Construction industry CIS contractors may also be caught by IR35 depending on working arrangements

  • Management consultants and interim executives need careful assessment of control and substitution rights

Step-by-Step Checklist

1

Review Your Contracts

Analyse working arrangements for control, substitution rights, and mutuality of obligation.

Next Action:

We'll review your contracts and identify IR35 risk factors

2

Assess Working Practices

Document how you actually work - location, hours, direction, and integration with client teams.

Next Action:

Complete our IR35 working practices questionnaire

3

Use HMRC's CEST Tool

Run contracts through HMRC's Check Employment Status for Tax tool for initial guidance.

Next Action:

We'll complete CEST and provide expert interpretation

4

Structure Engagements Properly

Ensure contracts and working practices reflect genuine self-employment where appropriate.

Next Action:

Get template contracts and working practice guidance

5

Set Up Compliant Systems

Implement payroll systems for inside IR35 work and dividend strategies for outside IR35.

Next Action:

We'll set up your payroll and tax planning systems

Pricing & Timeframes

Investment

ir35 assessment£200 - £350 per contract
ongoing support£150/month including payroll

IR35 assessments from £200, ongoing support packages available

Timeframes

Assessment completed within 3-5 working days

!

Important Note:

Includes written determination and compliance guidance

Supporting Kent Contractors

We've assessed 200+ contracts for Kent-based contractors

Technology We Use

CEST tool certified
Payroll software integrated
Real-time reporting

Areas We Serve

Rochester (Our base)
Maidstone
Canterbury
Dartford
Tunbridge Wells

Proudly serving businesses across Kent with professional accounting services

IR35 Rules for Contractors in Kent - Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about ir35 contractors kent in Kent

IR35 rules determine whether contractors should pay tax and National Insurance as if they were employees. Getting caught inside IR35 unexpectedly can result in significant additional tax bills and penalties, particularly for high-earning contractors.
IR35 status depends on the actual working relationship, not just the contract terms. We assess control, substitution rights, mutuality of obligation, and other factors to determine your status and provide written confirmation.
For public sector clients, the client determines IR35 status. For private sector clients (medium/large companies), the client also determines status, but small companies are exempt from off-payroll working rules.
Yes, you can appeal IR35 determinations through the client's appeals process. We help contractors prepare evidence and arguments for appeals, including contract amendments and working practice changes where appropriate.
Maintain detailed records of your working arrangements, contracts, invoices, evidence of control (or lack thereof), substitution rights, and any business expenses. We provide record-keeping templates for contractors.
HMRC can demand additional tax and National Insurance going back up to 6 years, plus penalties of 15-30%. For a contractor earning £80,000, this could mean £15,000+ in additional taxes per year of non-compliance.

Related Resources

Business AdvisoryContactVat Registration Rochester Kent

Ready to Get Expert Help?

Don't navigate ir35 contractors kent alone. Get professional guidance from Rochester's trusted accounting experts.

Get IR35 AssessmentCall: +44 7894 447435
Free consultation
No hidden fees
Kent-focused service

Alternative contact: WhatsApp us or email zara@fileeasyaccountancy.co.uk

Last updated: 24 January 2025

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