PCG takes the initiative with new web site dedicated to IR591

Following the Government's announcement on Wednesday of "specific proposals ... to ensure that the right amount of tax is paid by owner managers of small incorporated businesses on the profits extracted from their company," PCG has developed a new web site dedicated to the issue. The new web site is at http://www.ir591.org.uk.

The proposed measures were outlined in paragraph 5.91 of the Pre-Budget Report 2003, in a chapter entitled "Building a Fairer Society", hence the coining of the term "IR591" for the time being.

PCG aims to be at the forefront of the impending consultation on IR591, representing the freelance small business community. It has seized the initiative by registering a new domain name and developing a web site designed to be the focal point for information, advice, activity and discussion on IR591 within the freelance small business community.

We welcome the participation of other groups in this initiative, if you represent such a group and share our concerns then please email [email protected] to register your interest.

Office Hours over the Christmas/New Year Period

The PCG offices in Uxbridge will be closed from 5pm 23 Dec 03 until 9am on 5 Jan 04. However, emails to [email protected] will be checked and dealt with daily and there will be a contact mobile tel no left on the answer phone for any urgent queries.

Legal Helpline

The legal helpline support will be closed on the Christmas and New Year public holidays, On Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve, the hours will be 8am - 2pm. Normal office hours will be in force aside from the above.

Tax Helpline

The tax helpline will be closed on the Christmas and New Year public holidays. On Christmas Eve it will be manned until 1pm. Normal office hours will be in force aside from the above.

CSI Insolvency

Rumours abound following the insolvency of the agency Chamberlain Scott (CSI). We are concerned that this insolvency and the apparent restructuring that took place immediately afterwards may expose contractors to financial risk. If you are a PCG member currently contracted to Chamberlain Scott, CSI, Chamberlain Scott (UK) or any other derivative of this multi-national agency you may like contact [email protected] so that we can ensure that we are able to communicate any news as we receive it.

Inland Revenue backs down over Fortissimo case after 20 month battle

The Inland Revenue has decided to withdraw from its IR35 case against Ian Buckley, PCG member and director of Fortissimo Software Ltd, based in Warrington. After 20 months of wrangling, it wrote to Accountax on 2 December 2003 advising that, "After further consideration of your client's appeal …… it has been decided not to proceed with the case before the Special Commissioners." No reasons were given for reversing its previous decision.
See Latest News http://www.pcg.org.uk/LatestNews/10082.html.

PCG taking on the taxman for husband and wife business, Arctic Systems

On Tuesday 9 December 2003, PCG announced that it would be taking on the taxman at the Special Commissioners of Income Tax in the New Year, with a case that could have massive implications for thousands of husband and wife businesses. The case is that of PCG member Geoff Jones and his wife Diana, who run a small IT consulting business, Arctic Systems, and concerns Section 660A.
See Latest News http://www.pcg.org.uk/LatestNews/10080.html.

Freelancer Road Show Survey

PCG is considering proposals to organise a series of regional road shows during 2004.
The break out sessions at the Annual Conference in October were very well attended, and the post-conference survey indicated that 88% of respondents thought that freelancer road shows would be a good idea in principle.

Before making definitive plans and commitments about the format, length and content of these road shows, we believe it important to canvass the views of PCG members. We would therefore appreciate your sparing a few minutes of your time to answer this survey: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?u=34841327493. Your feedback is valuable to us, and your identity will remain anonymous.

The survey software that we are using requires you to have cookies enabled in your browser, for the sole purpose of ensuring that we receive one response only per respondent. This survey has been set up such that your identity will NOT be tracked, by email address, by name or in any other way. We respect your right to privacy, and will always state clearly whether your response to such a survey is anonymous or not.

Nat West Bank Online Scam

Some internet users have recently received a fraudulent email claiming to be from Nat West and asking customers to reactivate their online account access by entering their Nat West On Line Banking security details in full.

Nat West would never ask customers to provide this type of information by email so please be on your guard against emails that request any of your security details. If you receive an email like this you should not respond, and should contact the Nat West Bank Helpdesk immediately.

Route 35 Policy Document

The R35 Policy Document is now on the R35 website and can be accessed via the link below, for all those members who have renewed their R35 policy since 1 Aug 03.
http://www.pcgroute35.org.uk/cgi-bin/R35-Policy.pl

Please note that you should not need to enter the full company name, the first name should suffice to bring the policy up for you and display all the relevant details to a allow you to print the policy document.

Real Life Meetings

Xmas Central London Chapter
You are hereby invited to the Christmas Imbibement of the Central London Chapter of the Professional Contractors Group
Date: 17th December 2003
Locaton: Rising Sun Public House, Tottenham Court Road
Time: From 18:00
Dress: Optional
Whereas it has been brought to our attention that the season is drawing near and whereas many of you are known to be in embarrassing circumstances, it is declared that suitable cases will be imbibed at their colleagues' expense on provision of a 'good story'. No food venue is proposed at this time, although we reserve the right to do so at a later date.
Be there, or not.
Forum Discussion:
http://www.pcg.org.uk/threads/showpost.pl?f=meet-6888&p=0&v=c&s=5
Contact: mhillson (Martin Hillson)

Glos/Wilts/Worcs
Next meeting Wednesday 17th December Golden Heart, Nettleton 8 p.m. Anyone who wants directions please send private.
See you there.
http://www.pcg.org.uk/threads/showpost.pl?f=meet-6924&p=0&v=c&s=5
Contact: Susie Haigh (Haigh)

Edinburgh - 13 Jan 04
Bert's Bar in Williams Street in Edinburgh has confirmed the booking of the Snug Bar for the 18:00 on the 13th January 2004. So assuming we've all sobered up in time to get there, this is where we can get a refill.

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year when it comes.

John Ferguson (john_ferguson)
http://www.pcg.org.uk/threads/showpost.pl?f=meet-6917&p=0&v=c&s=5

28 January "Getting to the Decision Makers" AICS, London
Wednesday 28th January 2004, 7pm
National Liberal Club, 1 Whitehall Place, London SW1
Getting to the Decision Makers
Guest Speaker - David Festenstein, Teleopen Limited
Presented by The Association of Independent Computer Specialists
Members £12.50+vat Guests & Visitors £17.50+vat to include finger-buffet, wine and great networking opportunity. NB Gentlemen - the dress code at the NLC is jacket and tie. Please book your place(s) early by e-mailing [email protected].
For further information about the AICS please visit www.aics.org.uk
Forum Discussion:
http://www.pcg.org.uk/threads/showpost.pl?f=meet-6915&p=0&v=c&s=5
Contact: ashmele (John Ashmele)

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