HMRC warn workers not to use schemes that claim to increase take home pay

HMRC have recently published details of the promoters of two tax avoidance schemes that purport to allow workers to maximise their take home pay. HMRC wants employers and employees to understand that these schemes (involving individuals agreeing an employment contract and working as a contractor) do not work and is warning potential users to steer clear of the schemes or exit them. Use of the published schemes could leave users with big tax bills.

This is part of a general crackdown by HMRC on the use of “umbrella” companies and managed service companies to sidestep the IR35 (personal service company) and ‘off-payroll working’ rules.

For further details see: HMRC names avoidance scheme promoters for first time - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)