born again contractor

[quitequick]

I'm about to re-enter the contracting world after a 20 year break doing other stuff. All I did then was set up a limited company, registered for vat and made shed loads of cash. In terms of setting up, has anything changed? I see there are now umbrella companies and liability insurance. If they were around in the 90s I didn't know anyone who used them.

I did have an accountant to 'do the books' but all he did was fill in forms I'm more than capable of doing myself. Any reason to have an accountant these days?

I would pay myself my personal allowance in PAYE and the rest in company dividends. I would claim all I was allowed to claim against the company.

So all you old timers, tell me what's changed if anything.

[Accountants and insurance salesman need not apply]

[cojak]

Welcome to CUK quite quick

Most of the answers to your questions can be found in the First Timers guide found under CUK Naviagtion on the right. You are going to need to read up on IR35. >>>

[Clare@InTouch]

As much as you don't want an accountant's opinion, may I suggest you call a few and ask what they do for you? It's free advice, they can talk you through any questions you have, and it's then your choice whether you actually sign up with them or not.

[malvolio]

And snce PCG don't sell insurance, might I suggest you goto www.pcg.org.uk and download their Guide to Freelancing. It's changed a touch since you were last involved...