Budget 2018 announced for October 29th

Treasury disappoints those hoping for no IR35 reform, by scheduling an early Budget.

2019 Loan Charge: HMRC answers ContractorUK readers' top complaints

The taxman takes on more of your disguised remuneration gripes.

Contractors’ Questions: How to work out my Flat Rate VAT saving?

A holidaying accountant, plus an HMRC discount, adds up to confusion for one PSC.

Contractor’s guide to contracting in the Czech Republic

Check-in to the Czech Republic, if you like low tax rates with a high standard of living.

2019 Loan Charge: HMRC answers ContractorUK readers' questions

What the taxman has to say about 14 of your disguised remuneration gripes.

Labour under fire for anti-contracting stance

John McDonnell omitting the umbrella ban pledge isn’t cause to think it’s been shelved.

Contractor sector sees Winchester case as a game-changer

‘Hugely significant, landmark settlement could be a catalyst for many more.’

'Inside-IR35' contractor forces HMRC into £4,000 holiday payout

Female PSC boss uses taxman’s CEST decision against him -- to grant her permie-style rights.

Contractors’ Questions: Can my pay be withheld if I stole from the client?

Theft shouldn’t be grounds to have payment refused for services rendered.

How to deal with a departing director’s shares

Regardless of why leaving a ‘Ltd’ looms, dealing with shares can be a tricky business.

Will your client qualify for an IR35 chat with HMRC if you’re caught? Probably not

One rule for the BBC and another for us is a dangerous premise to extend IR35 reform on.

End Tier 2 cap but hands-off ICTs, ministers told

A ‘both good and bad’ immigration package is tabled for post-Brexit Britain.

Contractor expenses under private sector IR35 reform: overview

Are you a PSCs facing a £25,000 tax rise? Claim these 12 overlooked items while you still can.

2019 Loan Charge Alert: Deadline Imminent

Registering an intention to settle with HMRC is a window that's closing, fast.

Tax charity issues 2019 Loan Charge helpsheets

‘Help is available,’ reassures a group serving HMRC’s ‘unrepresented’ customers.

Contractors get anti-misery tips

Four steps to help beat the blues if you’re in a team of one.

Options in Vaping

Quitting smoking is among the top New Year’s resolutions, but is very difficult to do. It often requires many attempts and types of strategies. Vaping as a whole has many benefits for those that want to kick the cigarette habit. With their cost-effective platform, options for nicotine levels, and various flavors, the vaping industry is booming with possibility. Additionally, you can find certain effective ways to get to your goal of changing this habit, ultimately finding success. 

Cost Efficiency

One of the biggest perks of switching to vaping is the cost efficiency. While there are many ranges from inexpensive to expensive options in vaping devices, these devices can be sturdy and last much longer. Starter kits also provide everything you will need. With most startup kits you will receive two coils, the tank, and the mod. Some mods require batteries while others can be charged via USB. If you decide to go with a mod that uses external batteries, you will want to get an external charger and keep an eye on the state of the battery itself. If the wrapping starts to wear, it’s time to replace it. With that said, you can also get a mod that has an internal battery with USB charging capabilities. The choice is entirely up to you.

One option you will see is a mechanical mod, which is catered toward a more advanced user. Instead, you will want to focus on a starter kit that is regulated, where you don’t have to focus on changing the wattage and ohms. There are safety features included in regulated mods that will select wattage and ohms based on the coil used. Simply place your tank on the mod, add your juice of choice, and start vaping. The average user can spend as little as $35 a week on juice and coils since you only change the coil when the juice starts to taste burnt.

Flavor Options

There are many options available in flavorings. With the inclusion of tobacco and menthol flavors, you can also choose between fruit, dessert, candy flavors or a vape juice box. If you want it, it’s probably out there. There are generally three ingredients in these mixtures including PG propylene glycol, VG vegetable glycerin, and flavorings. Of course, nicotine is also an ingredient if you choose to go that route. Whether you prefer the original tobacco flavors or want to get away from it, there are many options available to you.

Nicotine Levels

Nicotine levels have much wider options in the vaping industry as well. With salt nicotine and liquid nicotine, people who are looking to switch have options available to them. Salt nicotine has higher levels of up to 100mg. Salt nicotine also allows for a smoother throat hit and can be used with lower wattage devices. Oftentimes salt nicotine is used in pod-based systems, of which come pre-filled with the e-liquid. Freebase nicotine come in levels of 0mg, 3mg, and 6mg, and can go as high as 36mg. With these alternatives, you can start off at a higher level if you choose and move towards a 0mg and ultimately kicking the nicotine habit. The FDA also regulates the ingredients involved in the e-liquid creation process, with the nicotine levels in mind.

The options for kicking the cigarette habit through vaping are endless. With choices in cost-effectiveness, flavorings, and nicotine levels, the possibilities are abundant in helping to get a person to their ultimate goal, ridding themselves of a bad habit. While the process of switching from cigarettes to vaping can seem overwhelming, vaping as a whole has a wide array of people that can help you come to an informed decision on what is best for you. With FDA regulations in place, highly informed shop owners online as well as in your area, and a vast community that backs the movement of vaping from smoking, you will no doubt notice that any questions or concerns you may have will be answered quickly.

BBC tries to reach IR35 deal with HMRC

Corporation 'hopeful' of an HMRC settlement over its presenters’ IR35 liabilities.

'Sign IR35, loan charge and late payment petitions'

Contractors called to act on a trio of different issues threatening their livelihoods.

Stripper's naughty nurse outfit ruled as a legitimate expense

Kinky costumes join the list of expenseable items, at least for one self-employed taxpayer.

Surviving IR35 reform as a contractor – part 2

What to do now before off-payroll rules are possibly applied to every PSC.

Solo contracting 'makes one in five suicidal'

Run a company singlehandedly? Work on your own? ‘You’re not alone.’

Contractor Survival Guide to IR35 Reform

Part 1 of 2 on how PSCs can prepare for potential IR35 changes in the private sector.

Summer slowdown in IT contractor demand averted

Comfortable growth for tech contractors is outshone by permie demand and scarcity.

BBC presenter Christa Ackroyd lodges IR35 appeal

Despite 'many' and 'strong'’ pointers to the BBC employing her, one PSC isn't giving up.

VAT repayment proposal on late refunds ‘unfair’

Calling time on the taxman’s 30-day clock is denounced as likely to hurt companies’ cashflow.

How to Properly Run a Medical Facility or Lab

Moving or establishing a medical facility requires an exceptional amount of skill and financing. It is also important to make your patients aware of your potential move; it doesn’t hurt to put a sign in your office 30 days before the move. If you’re moving your medical facility, it is important you hire an expert team that can move all of your complex medical equipment carefully, to ensure that nothing gets damaged. Moving to a larger medical facility and/or is a very complicated and timely process. Transporting your laboratory samples safe and efficient is a very sensitive procedure. These are some additional steps that may help you along the way.

Finding a Location

When moving into a larger facility you have to find a location that best fits your needs. Finding a location will usually require some shopping around. You should probably consider hiring a contractor to plan the layout of your new office or you could try utilizing an already existing medical facility. Make sure to properly evaluate the location early on to determine what type of work needs to be done to ensure your facility is operational by the time of your opening.

How to Run a Lab and Store Biological Samples Correctly

Establishing a medical lab must comply with the regulations and laws administered by the CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) all human laboratory testing is covered by these regulations. The CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments) regulations ensure that labs maintain consistent, reliable and quality testing. Preparing samples for testing is one of the most critical processes to ensure accuracy, handling these samples improperly can compromise the results. Laboratory testing contributes to vital information regarding a patient’s health. There are 4 steps involved with obtaining a quality specimen for testing:

• Preparation of the patient
• Processing the specimen
• Storing and/or transporting the specimen
• Providing accurate patient information and clinical history on the specimen collected

What To Do When Your Lab Runs Out of Storage Space

What to do if your bio-repository freezer runs out of storage space? Finding space for samples with a reliable freezer is an ongoing issue. Many scenarios could contribute to limitations in storage space including, an unexpected freezer failure, increasing rate of samples, or the inability to purchase a new freezer due to time restraints. One option is you could also use an off-site biological storage. This type of service will provide you a safe medical bio-repository facility to store your samples and provide a highly trained staff that specializes in specimen management.

Finding a Loyal Staff

With running a medical facility, it is important to hire the right people. The medical practice is founded on trust. It requires a person to have to handle a lot of sensitive information on a patient; these patients trust you with their lives. It is vital for you to run diligent background checks on your potential employees. You’ll need to hire:

• Licensed Physicians
• Medical Assistants
• Certified Phlebotomists
• Receptionist
• Certified Nurse’s Assistant or Aid

Becoming Familiar with Regulations and Laws

Just like any business, it is crucial to purchase insurance. You should also purchase and maintain errors and omissions insurance, this type of insurance covers employee negligence. When you establish a medical facility or move to a larger facility, there are a variety of regulations and laws that you have to follow. Ordinarily, it is a good idea to hire a financial consultant that specializes in the medical industry, someone who has had experience establishing medical practices before, who is well aware of the potential issues you may face. Nevertheless, you should also gather information on each of your physician’s work history, and make sure they have malpractice insurance. This process usually will take up to 140 days.

Moving or opening a new medical facility can be a strenuous process that must be handled accordingly. It is important to contact additional industry experts that will provide you with the strategies you need to help you execute your plan. Overall, there are many steps that come with moving to a new medical facility.

Economic Monthly Review – August 2018

Brief overview of the economic landscape and a background into the current market.

Contractors’ Questions: What about VAT MOSS if there’s no Brexit deal?

A VAT decision with a cumbersome outcome looms if UK ‘Ltds’ leave without a deal.

Contractors’ Questions: How do double taxation treaty payments work?

Top tips for when UK limited company directors owe, but aren’t tax resident.

Business bank account vs Personal bank account: The debate

How a business bank account can benefit your contractor business. 

Why Switzerland’s hot right now for contractors

Buoyant, modern sectors are making a historical hotspot for contractors a shoo-in.

HMRC’s IR35 CEST Tool: a contractor’s overview

The who, what, when & how of the Check Employment Status for Tax tool.

CEST being right in 22 out of 24 cases shows it’s working. Right?

Blatant bias of HMRC lurks behind figures purporting to show CEST passing the test.