06 July 2026
This week’s Quick Poll explored the use of HMRC’s CEST tool and whether those who use it agree with the outcomes it provides. The CEST tool is used to check if you, or a worker on a specific engagement, should be classed as employed or self-employed for tax purposes.
The results are:
|
Question |
Answer: Yes |
Answer: No |
|
Q1. Do you use the CEST tool? |
36% |
64% |
|
Q2. If yes, do you agree with the results? |
63% |
37% |
A total of 159 respondents answered the first question, with almost two-thirds (64%) stating that they do not use the CEST tool, while 36% reported that they do use it. This suggests that many pay professionals may rely on alternative methods, internal expertise, or professional advice when assessing employment status for tax purposes.
Of the respondents who use the tool and answered the second question (88 respondents), 63% said they agree with the results provided by CEST, while 37% said they do not agree with the outcomes.
Overall, the findings indicate that although the CEST tool is used by a minority of respondents, most users appear to have confidence in the determinations it produces. However, the fact that more than a third of users disagree with the results suggests there are still concerns about the tool's reliability or its ability to reflect the complexities of real-world working arrangements.
Thank you for your responses, as always we appreciate your feedback.
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