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Making Tax Digital Self Assessment: What’s Changing from April 2026 The way millions of people file their Self-Assessment tax returns is about to change. From 6 April 2026, HMRC’s Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment (MTD ITSA) rules will begin to take effect, starting with those who earn […]

How New Legislation Will Benefit FCSA Umbrella Companies Reform is Coming — and It Could Be a Positive Shift New legislation to regulate the umbrella company sector is fast approaching. While many providers will see this as a disruptive challenge, the outlook is far brighter for FCSA umbrella companies. Years

National Minimum Wage April 2026: Forecasted Rise and What It Could Mean for Contractors Background to the Forecast The Low Pay Commission (LPC) has been asked by the UK Government to recommend the rates for the National Minimum Wage (NMW) and National Living Wage (NLW) from April 2026.A central aim

What Is the FCSA and Why Does It Matter? Understanding the FCSA If you’re a contractor or an agency involved with umbrella companies, the question “What is the FCSA?” is more important than ever. The FCSA, or Freelancer & Contractor Services Association, is the UK’s leading independent trade body for

HMRC July 2025 Update: Five More Umbrella Companies Named for Suspected Tax Avoidance HMRC has added another five businesses to its list of named tax avoidance schemes, promoters, enablers and suppliers, bringing the total named in 2025 to over 25. The July 2025 update, published on 31 July, includes several

CIS Contractors: How to Complete Your 2024/25 Self-Assessment Return If you’re a self-employed worker in the construction industry and paid under the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS), then you’re probably familiar with the CIS self-assessment process. But with the 2024/25 tax year now behind us (ending on 5 April 2025), it’s

Umbrella-Agency Relationships: What Contractors Need to Know Contractors who work through umbrella companies often assume that the recruitment agency and umbrella provider are operating with their best interests in mind. In many cases, they are. However, there are times when the relationship between a recruitment agency and an umbrella company

Finance Bill 2025: Government to Crack Down on Umbrella Company Non-Compliance The Government has today published draft legislation that marks a major shift in how non-compliance in the umbrella company sector is tackled. The proposed changes — set out in the Finance Bill 2025–26 — are designed to ensure all

How Does Holiday Pay Work? A Contractor’s Guide to Summer Freedom With the summer holidays in full swing, contractors across the UK are starting to eye up their next break — whether it’s a long weekend in Devon, a week in Spain, or just a few BBQs in the garden.

How Much Pension Do You Need for a Comfortable Retirement in the UK? How much money do you actually need to retire comfortably in the UK? It’s a question every worker — whether employed, self-employed, or working through an umbrella company — needs to consider. Knowing your retirement income target

HMRC Publishes June 2025 Update to Named Tax Avoidance Schemes List HMRC updated its public list of named tax avoidance schemes, promoters, enablers, and suppliers, adding four more companies suspected of operating tax arrangements involving split-pay structures. These schemes typically see workers receiving part of their income via standard PAYE