I'm done with using a limited.

[Waldorf]

Cool. I don't think you will notice much difference financially. When you take into account the Ltd expense, eg. £1500/year accountancy, the difference isn't that great IMO. I was brolly for 6 years, now Ltd for 3. Meh.

Doin' this from a Raspberry Pi. Just sayin'.

Don't be fooled into thinking that using an umbrella is free, you pay a fee, which for some reason is not related to the work involved. You should pay per payment, typically £25-30 per week, but if you opt for monthly this jumps to £100-120 per month - why is this higher, it doesn't cost more to process an invoice for £1,000 than one for £4,000 ???

Although academic, the brolly also pockets the VAT claimed back on mileage, a small amount per client but a very nice earner when multiplied by a large client base.

[d000hg]

You are then a 'worker' in Government-speak.

I personally consider myself an employee. An employee of a small limited company that I happen to own the shares of, and also direct through my appointment as a director. But when I perform services for clients, I do so in the capacity of a permanent employee of my own company.

The issue is that it's what HMRC thinks that really matters. You can shout till you're blue in the face "I'm not like the other contractors" but they might lump you in with them. So umbrella could be a pragmatic choice even if it goes against your principles.

[FatLazyContractor]

Well I'm not its biggest fan, but sounds like OP could be a prime customer for the FLC if it ever comes into being.

Yes me love, did you call me?

[scooterscot]

Finally someone sees the light. Running a Ltd is stressful if you're a one man band. This attack by the chancellor on highly skilled workers will be a stab in the back for those driving the economy. If anything I think it'll harm it.

I really love the simplicity of 'cash accounting' here in Germany (yawnnnnn), what comes in less expenses* is taxed, what's left behind is mine. Simple. After all is said in done I'm normally holding back 70% of my earnings. TBH I wasn't doing that much better with a ltd back in the UK.

*I can still claim my travel costs

[scooterscot]

Don't be fooled into thinking that using an umbrella is free, you pay a fee, which for some reason is not related to the work involved. You should pay per payment, typically £25-30 per week, but if you opt for monthly this jumps to £100-120 per month - why is this higher, it doesn't cost more to process an invoice for £1,000 than one for £4,000 ??? .

Then submit one monthly invoice. I'm sure your client will not complain!

[SlipTheJab]

WcS. I ditched my Ltd and worked through a brolly for a number of years to save myself the hassle.

I went back to a Ltd a couple of years ago, just in time for the fun to start

Is there really that much hassle compared to the rewards?

[LucidDementia]

Is there really that much hassle compared to the rewards?

For those with a permie mindset there's loads. Apparently from what I read it's all very stressful.
I often wonder how it is I still have a full head of hair and can sleep at night.

[MrMarkyMark]

under attack every second day from HMRC and gov.uk.

Strewth, sounds like a very wise choice for you, then

[LucidDementia]

Strewth, sounds like a very wise choice for you, then

I think it's fair enough to expect being in business for yourself to be all sunshine and roses don't you?

[MrMarkyMark]

I think it's fair enough to expect being in business for yourself to be all sunshine and roses don't you?

Of course. That's my right