Umbrella companies employ agency contractors to work on temporary contract jobs, often through a recruitment agency. Compliance regulations applying to umbrella arrangements are complex and those that fall outside of the rules will be subject to an HMRC investigation.
Markel Tax has been advising umbrella companies for many years, both prior to and following the introduction of the Managed Services Companies legislation (MSC). A dedicated team offers a range of advice, from how to set up an umbrella company to defending against HMRC and employee challenges.
The potential compliance failings associated with an umbrella company can prove lucrative for HMRC and they will not leave any stone unturned when making their enquiries. However, Markel Tax is able to provide clients with the necessary advice to ensure they stand up under scrutiny.
A full umbrella compliance review
Internal procedures, marketing literature, expenses policies, contracts and additional documentation can all leave an organisation vulnerable during an HMRC investigation if not set up correctly.
Our service reviews this information over two-days and provides a detailed report outlining vulnerabilities that may surface during an HMRC investigation. The report advises how to tighten up procedures, and the Markel Tax team can help correct any issues or defend clients in the event of an investigation.
The full review can be can be carried out for a fixed fee agreed at the outset.
Umbrella contract reviews
It is essential that the upper contract issued to agencies or clients is watertight and does not imply that an organisation is operating as an agency under the agency legislation.
Markel Tax’s experienced contracts team can review contracts, report on strengths and weaknesses against an HMRC attack, and advise on required changes.
The team is also able to review employment contracts, and report tax and employment law strengths and weaknesses.
Fee protection services retainer
Markel Tax offers a fee protection retainer where umbrella issues and queries are likely to be ongoing. Any issues, from reviewing contracts to processing problems and employee issues, can be discussed as and when they arise.
For added protection, our market-leading Fee Protection insurance can be included within the retainer, covering our fees should a defence be needed against any HMRC or employment challenges.