Despite its high-profile role in the Dragonfly Consulting IR35 defence, Accountax has been unwilling to speak on the record to ContractorCalculator. Key players have remained unavailable for comment, although one of the company’s IR35 specialists, Nicola Smith, did confirm that they were “disappointed with the results” of the appeal ruling by High Court Judge Henderson.

Further analysis

Accountax, which was retained by the Professional Contractors Group to defend the appeal of Dragonfly’s shareholder and director, Jonathan Bessell, did also confirm through Smith that they will be conducting ”detailed analysis” of the implications of the ruling.

What does seem to be clear from that outcome, however, is that the hand of HMRC has been greatly strengthened. In fact, the taxman appears to have been given a mandate by the UK’s justice system to decide for themselves the employment status of every contractor.

As soon as Accountax and other industry experts are prepared to talk publicly about the case, ContractorCalculator will report their views. For now, though, many in the contracting sector appear to be in a state of shock.

Published: Saturday, September 06, 2008

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