Navigate IR35 rules with confidence and total clarity
We help UK contractors understand their off-payroll working status and choose the most tax-efficient, compliant way to work. Whether you operate outside IR35 via a limited company or need a seamless umbrella service, our specialist accountants are here to support you.
Free to set up No minimum contract Switch in minutes
All-inclusive from
£104.50/mo + VAT
Setup fees
Starting monthly fee plus VAT
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What you get with IR35 Specialists
Inside vs outside IR35 — what it means for you
Your IR35 status is the single biggest factor in your take-home pay. Here's the difference — and you can see your own numbers in the calculator below.
Outside IR35
More take-home, more flexibility
You're genuinely self-employed. You work through your own limited company (PSC), take a low salary plus dividends and pay corporation tax — keeping much more of your day rate.
- Pay corporation tax (19–25%) then dividend tax
- Keep significantly more of your day rate
- Claim genuine business expenses against profit
- Control your own salary / dividend split
- Retain profit in the company for growth
Inside IR35
Taxed like an employee
HMRC treats you as an employee of your client. Your income is taxed through PAYE with full income tax and National Insurance — and employer NI comes out of your contract value before you're paid.
- Full income tax + employee National Insurance
- Employer NI taken from your contract value first
- Can't claim most business expenses
- Salary only — no dividend option
- No employment rights (holiday, sick pay, etc.)
Who decides your status? For medium and large clients, the off-payroll rules make the client responsible for your status determination (SDS). For small clients it stays with your own company — and from April 2025 the small-company thresholds rose (turnover up to £15m, balance sheet up to £7.5m, up to 50 employees), so more contractors now self-determine again. Either way, we assess your position and back it up.
The key IR35 tests
It's your actual working practicesthat count — not just the contract. HMRC weighs these factors to decide whether you're really in business or effectively employed.
Substitution
Can you send someone else?
A genuine, unfettered right to send a qualified substitute — one the client can't refuse — points strongly to outside IR35. The clause has to be real, not just words in the contract.
Control
Who controls how you work?
Outside IR35 you decide how, when and where the work gets done. Inside IR35 the client dictates your hours, location and methods — just like an employee.
Mutuality of obligation
Must work be offered and accepted?
Outside IR35 there's no obligation on the client to offer further work, or on you to accept it, beyond the current contract. An ongoing expectation of work looks employment-like.
And the factors that tip a borderline case
Financial risk
You risk your own money — fixing defects at your own cost and investing in the business.
Equipment
You provide your own core equipment and tools rather than relying on the client's.
Part & parcel
You're not embedded in the client's org — no line management, perks or fixed role.
In business on your own account
You're free to take other clients, market your services and run a genuine business.
Get it right, and defend it
HMRC's CEST tool and your contract aren't enough on their own — your working practices decide it.
We review your contract and day-to-day reality, and if a client's determination is wrong you have 45 days to challenge it — we draft the case for you.
IR35 Take-Home Calculator
See exactly how much more you keep operating outside IR35 through your own limited company versus inside IR35 through an umbrella.
Your Contract Details
Based on 220 working days = £110,000/year
Costs your company pays for things you need (laptop, software, fees). Reduces corp tax — not money lost.
Set your day rate
Adjust the sliders and click calculate to see how IR35 status affects your take-home pay
The difference a dedicated accountant makes
Dedicated expert support
You will have direct access to a named, qualified accountant. They understand your business and the intricacies of the off-payroll rules.
Complete compliance assurance
We help you assess your contracts against HMRC rules. This reduces your risk of costly status disputes.
Seamless hybrid working
Switch effortlessly between limited company and umbrella payroll as your contract status changes. We handle the transition without administrative hassle.
Free bookkeeping software
Manage your business finances in real time. We provide a free subscription to FreeAgent, fully supported by our team.
Going it alone vs having us in your corner
You can absolutely do your own books. Here's what actually changes when a dedicated accountant takes it off your plate.
Doing it yourself
Accounting software
Pay for FreeAgent yourself — that's £100s a year on top.
Tax savings
Easy to miss allowable expenses, reliefs and allowances.
Your time
Evenings lost to receipts, spreadsheets and HMRC admin.
Knowledge & deadlines
MTD, National Insurance and filing dates — costly to get wrong.
With Workwell
Accounting software
FreeAgent included free, set up and ready to go.
Tax savings
Proactive planning to claim every allowance — often saving more than we cost.
Your time
We handle the books and filing, so you get your evenings back.
Knowledge & deadlines
A named accountant keeps you compliant and filed on time, every time.
The bottom line
Free software, more tax saved and your time back — for just £104.50/mo.
Most clients save more in tax and software than they pay us. Switching takes minutes.
Everything, sorted
Limited Company Accounting
- Dedicated named personal accountant
- Year-end accounts and Corporation Tax
- VAT and self-assessment filing
- Dividend and salary planning advice
- Free award-winning FreeAgent software
IR35 Compliance Reviews
- Detailed contract clause analysis
- Working practices assessment and advice
- HMRC CEST tool guidance
- Support with status determination disputes
- Mitigating financial risk of misclassification
Umbrella Payroll Services
- FCSA-accredited payroll processing
- All tax and NI contributions handled
- Continuous employment rights and benefits
- Quick and simple digital onboarding
- Perfect for inside IR35 roles
Seamless Hybrid Solutions
- Easy switching between PSC and umbrella
- No exit fees or setup penalties
- Continuous support from one provider
- Maintain your limited company while dormant
- Stress-free management of mixed contracts
“Workwell has administered my company since formation in 2014. I am very happy with the quality of the service that they have provided. Danielle and Ross, in particular, have been excellent in their roles as lead client accountants.”
Limited company client
With Workwell since 2014
Questions, answered
Ready to get IR35 specialists sorted?
A dedicated accountant, unlimited advice and free software — one simple monthly fee. Set up in minutes.