According to PCG’s latest membership survey, more than 85 per cent of professional freelancers turn to accountants first for business advice - way ahead of banks and business advisers, and followed closely by PCG and fellow contractors.

This is clearly good news for accountants, reinforcing the important role that the profession has to play in providing sound advice to the owners of small and micro-businesses. Many accountants recommend PCG membership to their freelance contractor clients as a matter of course.

PCG chairman Dr Simon Juden says, “We know from our dialogue with accounting firms that many value our expertise on IR35A, Section 660A and other taxation and regulatory matters. Around 50 of our Affiliate members are accountants, and we are keen to extend our involvement with the accountancy profession for the benefit of as many freelance and small business owners as possible.”

The survey also confirmed that taxation and changes in legislation were the issues that concerned freelance contractors the most, followed by the problems associated with finding new business, the economic environment, updating skills and marketing their businesses. In terms of specific concerns, IR35 and Section 660A topped the league.

This part of the PCG website is dedicated to accountants and designed to provide quick links to a wealth of useful and relevant information. Your feedback is welcome; please contact Mandie Bell at [email protected] to suggest the inclusion of additional content and material.

What is the Professional Contractors Group?

About the PCG

Taxation

Section 660A - an overview
Section 660A - technical briefing by Anne Redston of Ernst & Young
Section 660A - SARA - Self assessment risk analysis
Section 660A - PCG takes first case to the Special Commissioners
IR35 - special newsletter
IR35 - news of latest PCG win at the Special Commissioners

News

Sign up for the regular newsletter
Read the Latest News
Press releases

Guides

Guide to Freelancing
Doing your homework - working from home

Membership
PCG membership benefits at a glance
PCG Affiliate membership

Helplines and insurance for members

The PCG legal helpline for members is provided by Law Express, a company specialising in the provision of telephone legal advice. Law Express is a leading player in this market providing services to for example Marks and Spencer and the Institute of Directors. All solicitors are employed by Law Express and offer advice covering a wide range of areas including: employment, IR35, contract and company law.

The PCG tax helpline for members is provided by Abbey Tax and gives them direct access to a team of tax consultants covering all disciplines and specialities of UK taxation. The service is designed to deal with specific queries as quickly and efficiently as possible. It is not to be used for tax planning services or advice, and members are advised to seek advice from their accountants on such matters.

Full members of PCG are covered by a Professional Expenses Insurance policy to help cover professional expenses incurred during a tax investigation or dispute.

If you would like to know more about Affiliate membership for accounting firms, please contact Mandie Bell on (0845) 125 98 99 or by email at at [email protected]. She can also send you information about PCG and full membership for your freelance consultant and contractor clients.