Ltd company or Self-employed

[denise]

Which is the most tax efficient way (uk resident) IT contractors can operate in the uk? Through a Limited company or as a registered self employed individual?
Is it possible for a limited company who may be a preferred supplier to subcontract work to a self employeed individual?

[BolshieBastard]

Limited co every time.

That way, the ltd co's exposure to insolvency is 'limited.' As a self employed person, any insolvency would fall totatlly on that person.

[cojak]

Very few companies/agents will work with a self-employed contractor for various reasons.

They will generally accept Ltd/Umbrella contractors as it's easier for them to shift liabilities such as NI over to us...