Inside vs Outside IR35 Assessment Calculator

Assessing whether someone falls inside or outside of IR35 in the UK is a critical determination for tax and employment status. IR35 legislation is designed to determine if a worker is a genuine contractor (outside IR35) or should be considered an employee for tax purposes (inside IR35). Here are the key factors and steps to assess IR35 status:

Understand the Basics:

IR35 applies to individuals who work through a Personal Service Company (PSC) but would be classified as an employee if not for the PSC.

The main goal is to prevent tax avoidance by "disguised employees" who use PSCs to reduce their tax liability.

Review the Employment Status Indicator (ESI):

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) provides an online tool called the Employment Status Indicator (ESI) that can help assess employment status for tax purposes. While it's not legally binding, it provides an indication of IR35 status based on the information provided.

Consider Key Factors:

When assessing IR35 status, consider several key factors. No single factor is determinative; rather, the overall working relationship is crucial. Some factors to consider include:

• Control: The level of control the client or end-client has over how, when, and where the worker performs their tasks.
• Substitution: The ability for the worker to send a substitute in their place to complete the work.
• Mutuality of Obligation (MOO): Whether there is an ongoing obligation for the client to offer work and the worker to accept it.
• Financial Risk: Whether the worker bears financial risk, such as liability for rectifying mistakes or incurring losses.
• Equipment and Tools: Who provides necessary equipment and tools for the work.
• Integration: The degree to which the worker is integrated into the client's business.
• Right of Dismissal: The ability of the client to terminate the contract without notice.
• Personal Service: Whether the worker must provide their services personally (a stronger indicator of employment).‍

Review the Contract:

The terms of the contract should align with the intended working relationship. Ensure the contract accurately reflects the working arrangements, including factors like substitution rights, control, and notice periods.

Seek Legal Advice:

IR35 status assessments can be complex, and tax authorities may scrutinize working arrangements carefully. It's often wise to seek legal or tax advice to ensure compliance and minimize risks.

Consider Historical Case Law:

Historical IR35 case law can provide insights into how similar cases were decided in the past. While each case is unique, it can be helpful to review precedents.

Complete a Status Determination Statement (SDS):

In some cases, end-clients or intermediaries (like recruitment agencies) are responsible for determining the IR35 status. They must provide a Status Determination Statement (SDS) outlining the reasons for their decision and share it with the worker and the fee-payer (usually the PSC).

Appeal Mechanism:

If a worker disagrees with an SDS provided by the end-client or intermediary, there should be an appeal mechanism in place to resolve disputes.

Ensure Compliance:

If a worker is found to be inside IR35, the fee-payer (usually the PSC) is responsible for deducting income tax and National Insurance Contributions (NICs) before making payments to the worker. Compliance is crucial to avoid penalties.

Please note that IR35 rules and interpretations may change, and it's essential to stay updated with the latest regulations and seek professional advice when assessing IR35 status, especially for complex situations. The consequences of misclassification can result in significant tax liabilities and penalties.