^ TopWhat is an Umbrella?
What are umbrella schemes for contractors
Explains what umbrella companies are and how contractors use them.
Limited company or umbrella – deciding on a payment structure
First time contractors have two options for setting up a payment structure: Limited company, or umbrella company. This article discusses the differences between the two and gives practical advice on which option to choose.
What is a PAYE umbrella company?
Explains how a PAYE umbrella scheme works.
Contractor umbrella companies and their contractors’ employment rights
Contractors who work through an umbrella company can have the same employment rights as permanent employees, confirms Derek Kelly of Parasol.
^ TopChoosing and Setting Up
Choosing an umbrella company
This article discusses the many factors to consider when choosing an umbrella company to use.
Choosing a contractor umbrella - checklist download
Download a checklist to help the decision of which umbrella company to choose.
Joining a contractor umbrella scheme
This article discusses the steps you need to take to join a contractor umbrella scheme.
Can a recruitment agency force contractors to use its affiliated umbrella company?
Agencies sometimes try to insist on contractors using their recommended umbrella companies, but not always in the interest of their contractors.
Contractor doctor: does choice of umbrella significantly affect take home pay?
Does it make any significant difference which umbrella company you choose in terms of final take home pay after tax?
Contractor doctor: how do umbrellas calculate contractors’ national insurance
When contracting inside of IR35, employer's National Insurance contributions are calculated on the gross income billed to the client.
^ TopExpenses and Dispensation
Umbrellas, HMRC, and dispensation agreements
How the HMRC views Umbrella Companies and an explanation of dispensation agreements
Dispensation and why contractors cannot claim expenses without receipts
Explains the Inland Revenue expenses rules, what an Inland Revenue Dispensation agreement means, and why you cannot claim without receipts.
Can contractors claim expenses without receipts?
Contractors using umbrella solutions often ask potential suppliers how much expenses can be claimed. But do these expenses need receipts?
^ TopIR35 Issues
Umbrella companies and IR35
Explains the umbrella options with respect to IR35, and whether IR35 can be avoided using an umbrella scheme.
^ TopMoving: Ltd Company to Umbrella
Moving from a limited company to an umbrella: reasons and practicalities.
Discusses the many reasons you might have for wishing to move together with practicalities of moving.
Closing down your contracting limited company
Discusses the steps to close down your limited company
Making your contracting limited company dormant
How to make a limited company dormant and the responsibilities whilst it is dormant.
Contractor doctor: do I have to pay employers and employees NI when using an umbrella?
The amount of NI contributions you pay depends on your IR35 status and how you decide to structure your financial affairs.
Changing your contractor umbrella company
Contractors may decide to change their umbrella company for a variety of reasons. As Rob Crossland from Parasol explains, contractors should be aware of the implications and plan their move accordingly.
^ TopMoving: Umbrella to Ltd Company
Reasons and practicalities of moving from an umbrella to a limited company
Discusses the reasons and steps to take to move from an umbrella arrangement to a limited company.
Setting up a limited company
This article discusses the practicalities of setting up your own limited company to use as a payment structure whilst contracting.
^ TopUmbrella Interviews
Interview with umbrella company parasol it
Interview with Rob Crossland, Service Director of Parasol IT Plc about his umbrella company and the practicalities and benefits of moving to an umbrella solution.