On 17 March, the UK Government announced that the changes to the off-payroll working rules (known as IR35) will be delayed for one year from 6th April 2020 until 6 April 2021.

This is part of the additional support measures for businesses and individuals to deal with the economic impacts of Covid-19.

The Government have made it clear this is a deferral, not a cancellation, and they remain committed to introducing this policy to ensure that people working like employees through a limited company (typically a personal services company (PSC)), pay broadly the same tax as individuals who are employed directly.

What does this mean for me?

A deferral of the changes is undoubtedly welcome as businesses get ready to weather the storm ahead, and the economic downturn.

Until 6 April 2021, the current off-payroll working rules will remain in force. This means that for Varios operating through a PSC in the private sector, it will remain your responsibility to assess your IR35 position, and properly account for tax through your PSC.

For Varios re-engaged through a PAYE route, it is possible that client organisations will wish to maintain those arrangements, whether for convenience, to avoid unpicking previously communicated policy decisions, or duplicating efforts in the run up to April 2021.

If day rates have been re-negotiated on a PAYE basis, where applicable reverting back to a PSC engagement will involve a reinstatement of original day rates.

The Vario team are on hand to answer any individual queries you may have– please do contact our dedicated IR35 project team VarioIR35@pinsentmasons.com, or speak to your usual Vario team contact. We are here to help!

IR35 is anti-avoidance tax legislation which sets the rules to make sure contractors working through an intermediary (usually a limited company or PSC) pay the correct tax. The rules are in place to address what HMRC describe as “deemed employment”, where individuals operating through PSCs work like employees and they should pay broadly the same income tax and NICs regardless of the structure they work through.

Under current rules, it is the responsibility of the individual worker to ensure they are complying with the IR35 rules, and properly accounting for tax through their PSC.

From 6 April 2021, responsibility for determining the employment status for tax purposes of off-payroll workers will (where services are being provided to non-SME end clients) shift from the individual contractor to the end client business or organisation. The changes also impose payroll obligations on the business that is paying the worker’s PSC or other intermediary.

After 6 April 2021:

It will no longer be the responsibility of a Vario’s PSC to determine how an assignment should be taxed. The responsibility will move to the end client (which might be either Pinsent Masons or an external Pinsent Masons client).

Ensuring continuity of support

As a law firm offering, we take compliance very seriously and are well placed to help our clients and Varios navigate the upcoming changes.

We’ve partnered with specialist IR35 advisors to help us develop our approach towards all things IR35. A dedicated IR35 project team has been established, and we’re working closely with a number of our clients to help inform their thinking, as well as ensuring continuity of service.

Vario have a comprehensive range of PSC and PAYE engagement solutions to help and support our clients and Varios, whatever the IR35 position.

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