HMRC assemble dedicated teams to assist businesses affected by IR35 reforms
22 October 2019
The Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Paymaster General, Jesse Norman, has confirmed that HMRC has planned to provide support for companies that will be affected by the upcoming IR35 reforms. One-to-one support will be provided to approximately 2,000 of the largest businesses in the UK, whilst 15,000 medium-sized businesses can expect to receive direct communications concerning the topic. The aim is to provide education and guidance around the new rules that appear to be the source of much confusion for engagers.
The draft legislation surrounding the reforms is primarily focused on where the responsibility lies for establishing whether a contractor is classed as ‘inside IR35’ or not. Historically, contractors in the private sector would make this decision themselves but from April 2020, any private engagers that are not classed as ‘small’ will see the obligation shift to them. Businesses appear to be increasingly concerned about the whole process of issuing a Status Determination Statement (SDS) and the Client-Led Status Disagreement Process, so the news that HMRC is creating teams to provide guidance should be embraced by UK businesses.
There is already a wealth of information and guidance relating to the new rules for off-payroll working from April 2020. A collection of guides has been published on GOV.UK and are available for public viewing.
CIPP Webcast
Listen to this 25-minute webcast where Diana Bruce, CIPP Policy & Research, covers the key changes (including the new statutory requirement for a Status Determination Statement) that will be brought in by the draft legislation (when enacted) and looks at the practical application of the new rules for off-payroll working in the public, private and third sectors from April 2020.
CIPP Payroll training courses
The CIPP also offer a comprehensive half-day course – Off-payroll working and other employment status considerations. This explores assessing employment status, right to work and also the upcoming reforms to IR35. The next course is in London on 4 December 2019.
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