In the realm of contracting, the power to choose your work terms, schedules, and operational structure is pivotal for contractors and business owners alike. When we speak of structure, we refer to the conduit through which you render services to clients, with Personal Service Companies (PSCs) and umbrella companies emerging as the most prevalent options.

To grasp the nuances, let's first demystify what PSCs and umbrella companies entail.

A PSC is a limited company established to provide the services of an individual, typically the sole director and shareholder. Operating outside IR35, you uphold responsibility for personal and business tax obligations. If deemed inside IR35, complexities arise, and you become an 'employee for tax purposes,' subject to comparable tax and National Insurance Contributions (NICs) as conventional employment.

Conversely, an umbrella company positions itself between you, the contractor, and your client or recruitment agency. While you become an employee of the umbrella, you retain the independence of a contractor, with taxes deducted before payment, akin to standard employment procedures.

Considering the impending IR35 reform in the private sector, where medium and large businesses assume the responsibility of determining IR35 status, the role of umbrella companies has gained prominence.

Unpacking the merits of umbrella employment and aiding your decision-making process, let's delve into the factors driving contractors to choose companies like ours, Parasol.

• Tax Management:
  If concerns about tax overwhelm you, and you prefer receiving income with pre-deducted taxes, opting for an umbrella company might align with your needs. The umbrella handles necessary PAYE and NICs deductions before disbursing your earnings, ensuring your tax affairs are in order.

• Expense Handling:
  While umbrella workers face restrictions on expense claims compared to PSC contractors outside IR35, there are still eligible claims, dependent on supervision, direction, or control (SDC). A reliable umbrella company can efficiently manage this process on your behalf once logged.

• Time Efficiency:
  Juggling multiple facets of a business, from tax matters to marketing and invoicing, can be time-consuming. If time constraints plague you, umbrella employment could be the remedy. With simplified processes, you bid farewell to invoicing hassles, allowing you to focus on more critical aspects.

• Employment Rights:
  Contractors typically lack employment rights from clients, regardless of IR35 status. Embracing umbrella employment grants access to a spectrum of employment benefits, including holiday pay, statutory benefits like sick and maternity/paternity pay, and automatic enrollment in a company pension scheme for retirement savings.

• Inside IR35 Engagements:
  If your contract falls within IR35, opting for an umbrella company becomes a prudent choice. Beyond IR35 exclusion for umbrella engagements, the rationale is clear—contractors within IR35 endure employee-like taxation without corresponding employment rights. An umbrella company bridges this gap, offering the desired benefits.

• Stress-Free Contracting:
  Simplicity and flexibility make umbrella employment appealing to contractors. No need to establish a limited company, and the setup is swift, enabling a quick commencement of work. This simplicity attracts both novice contractors and those navigating interim periods between permanent roles.

It's noteworthy that engaging with an umbrella doesn't preclude operating through your PSC for another assignment. The option to seamlessly switch between umbrella and PSC working provides the best of both worlds—contracting freedom and employment benefits.

If you would like to chat further about your Umbrella options - jump on the live chat or speak to one of our contract team on 0116 254 5411 or email hello@precision-people.uk 

Useful links 

Key information document: guidance for agency workers paid through umbrella companies

Working through an umbrella company

Understanding off-payroll working (IR35)