What should contractors be looking for from an umbrella company?

How comparing umbrella companies can fetch you the best deal, and what to look out for. 

Understand what an umbrella company is and the process of working one.  

Find out what an umbrella company can offer and whether it's for you or not. 

Typical pricing structures, average fees, extra costs and red flags for umbrella companies. 

A contracting career does not necessarily mean flying entirely solo.  For many, an umbrella company represents the ideal balance between the independence of the contractor and the convenience of the employee.

How much contractors can get paid if they work via an umbrella, now or post-IR35 reform.

The shrewd won’t skimp on a financial profiling adviser who, in turn, shouldn’t skim over the key financial areas that inform PSC workers of their worth.

Few and far between are your options for working abroad, although Cyprus looks more of a go-to than Spain and the Netherlands.

Don’t get caught offside by the taxman with generic contracts; key factors against you, and witnesses that fail to score for your side.

Not always easy to broach. Not straightforward. So expectantly, there’s tax savings (with a spouse) to be had.

‘Your numerous promotions yesteryear won’t count for much in the contractor market, even if you are a 30-year tech veteran.’

Boost morale, say thanks or just get a little extra out of your limited company. While being aware of HMRC traps.

Paying for death-in-service benefits via your PSC can be non-taxing for you and your loved ones -- if you get it right.

The taxman is seeing how far the boundary of the 2007 rules will stretch, to snare perhaps thousands of PSCs in his net.