Accountants for Contractors
Contractors working through their own limited company need help with IR35, travel expenses and the best salary and dividend mix. We handle all three for a fixed monthly fee from £62.50 + VAT.
- Fixed fees from £45.83 + VAT a month
- Named accountant who knows your sector
- Free first consultation, no obligation
What contractors need
- An IR35 status review of each contract
- Salary and dividend planning each year
- Travel and subsistence claimed correctly
- VAT scheme advice, including whether the Flat Rate Scheme helps
The 24-month rule
Travel to a temporary workplace is allowable if you expect to work there for under 24 months. Once a place becomes permanent, the relief stops, so review each assignment.
Pay and pensions
Employer pension contributions are often the most efficient way to take profit out, and they sit outside IR35 considerations for an outside-IR35 contractor.
Common contractor mistakes
- Assuming a contract is outside IR35 without reviewing how you actually work
- Claiming travel to a workplace that has become permanent
- Taking too much in dividends without enough retained profit
- Missing the 9 month and 1 day Corporation Tax payment deadline
At a glance
| Main issue | IR35 status |
|---|---|
| Typical set-up | Limited company, outside IR35 |
| Key expense rule | 24-month temporary workplace rule |
| Best package | Complete from £62.50 + VAT |
| Fees | From £45.83 + VAT a month |
| Regulated by | ICAEW, ACCA and AAT (via Accotax) |
How we help contractors
Everything a limited company needs, for one predictable monthly fee.
Year-end accounts and CT600
Statutory accounts and Corporation Tax return, filed on time.
Bookkeeping
Xero, QuickBooks or FreeAgent kept up to date.
VAT returns
Making Tax Digital returns prepared and filed.
Payroll
Director and staff payroll, RTI and pensions.
Tax planning
Salary, dividends and pensions arranged to keep more.
Company formation
Set up properly, with secretarial support.
4.9/5
Google rating
300+
verified reviews
4
London offices
1 day
quote turnaround
How it works
Switching takes minutes. We handle the handover from your old accountant.
Tell us about your work
Fill in the short form or call us.
Get one fixed price
Within one working day, no hidden extras.
We take over
Your named accountant handles the rest.
Questions from contractors
Straight answers to what directors in your sector ask us most.
Do contractors need an accountant?
A specialist helps with IR35, expenses and tax-efficient pay, and often saves more than the fee.
Can contractors claim travel?
To a temporary workplace, yes, subject to the 24-month rule.
Is IR35 my responsibility?
For medium and large clients it is the client's decision, and for small clients it is yours.
What is the difference between inside and outside IR35?
If a contract is outside IR35, your limited company can pay you through salary and dividends, which is usually more tax efficient. If it is inside IR35, the client or agency must treat you like an employee for tax, deducting income tax and National Insurance through payroll on the fee. The decision depends on how you actually work, including control, substitution and mutuality of obligation, not on what the contract says.
Should a contractor use an umbrella company or their own limited company?
A limited company usually leaves more take-home pay when contracts are outside IR35, but it brings accounts, payroll and filing duties. An umbrella is simpler for short or inside-IR35 assignments because it handles payroll for you. We compare both for your expected income and contract length, so you can choose with the numbers in front of you.
What expenses can a limited company contractor claim?
Allowable expenses include costs wholly and exclusively for the business: professional insurance, accountancy fees, equipment, training related to your work, and travel to temporary workplaces. Home-working costs can be claimed on a simple flat rate or by apportioning actual costs. Personal items and ordinary commuting to a permanent workplace are not allowable.
How much do accountants for contractors cost?
Our fixed monthly packages start at £45.83 + VAT, and the price depends on turnover and the services you need. You get a clear quote before you commit.
Can you take over from my current accountant?
Yes. We handle the clearance letter, record transfer and HMRC agent authorisation at no extra cost on a monthly package.
Do I need to meet you in person?
No. Everything can be done online, and you are welcome to visit one of our South London offices by appointment.
Related guides and tools
IR35 guide
Detailed guide.
Contractor accounting
Our service.
Take-home pay calculator
See your net.
Ready for a fixed monthly price?
Tell us a little about your work. A named accountant who knows contractors will reply within one working day.
- Free, no obligation
- Fixed price, no hourly billing
- Call 0203 4411 258 or WhatsApp +44 7912 225796
What happens next
- We review your work. A named accountant looks at how you earn, invoice and spend as one of the contractors we support.
- You get one fixed price. Within one working day, with no hourly billing.
- We take over. We handle the handover from your old accountant and set up your sector-specific tax planning.
Get your free fixed quote
We reply within one working day.