If you are about to leave your employer to become a freelancer or contractor, then you need to decide how you will handle your future tax liabilities. You need to get something arranged as soon as possible, to avoid being hit with a big, unexpected, tax bill later on. The solution should be one that allows you pay the least amount in taxes, but which also makes it easy for your customers to deal with you.

So, what are your options? You basically have two - set-up a limited company or utilize the services of a tax umbrella company. Setting up a limited company is the most tax efficient way to operate, and you can claim back all kinds of expenses (equipment, software, etc.). If you are only concerned with paying the least amount of taxes possible, then it is probably the best option for you.

The downside to setting up a limited company is the extra work involved. There is a lot more paperwork to fill in, and you will need to hire a lawyer and an account to look after your affairs, which can make the process quite costly. So, if you want to focus solely on your work, and to bring in as much income as possible, then using a tax umbrella company is the better option.

If you use the services of a tax umbrella company, you enter into a contract with them and effectively become a PAYE employee again. However, you get the benefits of being an employee, without the hassles. Of course, the umbrella company cannot tell you what to do, but for you they will look after your invoicing, payments and tax contributions.

You can be up and running with a tax umbrella company in just a few days. You just need to submit your personal and banking details to them and they will take care of all of the paperwork and legal technicalities for you. They will pay you fortnightly or monthly (depending on what you agree with them) directly into your bank account. The amount that you receive will be the total amount that your clients paid to the umbrella company, minus your tax contributions and the umbrella company’s fee.

When deciding which umbrella company to use, you need to carefully read what exactly they will do for you, and how much they will charge. Avoid getting caught up with claims about ’special dispensations’ and ‘exclusive tax breaks’, as no umbrella company has any special agreement with the tax office. So, keep to the facts, namely, how much they charge, how often they will pay you, and what their level of experience is.

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