PCG Newsletter - 30th November, 2001 -
37/01 JR Appeal
In this issue:
- PCG advice on PAYE visits
- Support from PCG � Advice and back up for members
- Comment on pre-budget statement
- Lobbying report
- Appeal reminder
- PCG Shop and book discounts
- Real Life Meetings
Advice on PAYE visits
Members may have noted an increase in Inland Revenue
activity in recent weeks. We know that the IR is initiating
PAYE visits, which in the event, seem to turn into IR35
status visits.
Since PAYE is Revenue 'bread & butter', a PAYE visit can
have a fairly wide remit, which means the IR is entitled
to ask a wide range of questions. The IR is allowed to ask
to see contracts, as your IR35 status affects your PAYE/NI/expenses
etc.
However under the IR code of practice, a status review
cannot be completed under the pretext of running a PAYE
visit.
PCG has produced a set of FAQs relevant to PAYE visits
and the tax investigation insurance. https://www.pcgroup.org.uk/members/paye_faq_taxinvest.html
Questions raised include:
1. Is a normal PAYE audit covered by the PCG Tax Investigation
Insurance?
2. What should a contractor do if there are issues that
are debatable?
3. What should a contractor do if they are contacted by
the Revenue regarding a PAYE audit visit?
4. What is the Inspector entitled to see or ask for?
5. What sort of areas should a PAYE review cover?
6. If I want someone to assist me with a PAYE audit meeting
what can I do? (ie no accountant available etc)
See also information on the Tax Investigation Insurance
included in membership https://www.pcgroup.org.uk/members/taxinvest_main.html
Support from PCG � Advice and back up for members
Independent observers felt that the IR35 case against contractor
"Eddie Battersby" was a case of the IR �picking� on a target
and publicising the result. It was a reminder of the need
for a strong representative voice for all contractors.
The latest results from PCG advisors makes for very different
reading, and this time serves as a reminder to members about
the strength and quality of information they buy into when
joining PCG � another indicator of how good an investment
membership is.
Accountax are yet to lose an IR35 related case, Lawspeed
recently publicised two �wins� and Qdos, who provide the
Tax Investigation Insurance which is included in PCG membership,
have settled 19 cases on behalf of members either for nil
tax or small add backs for private expenditure.
A full report on the Tax Insurance scheme is available
for members
https://www.pcgroup.org.uk/members/resources/Qdos_tax_investigation_Nov2001.pdf
Of great significance is one case example, initially reviewed
as a 'borderline fail' contract by Qdos and seen as a 'fail'
by IR, has been *dropped* by the Revenue inspector after
Qdos argued the case using knowledge from the contract review
and using additional information from the member where they
were able to establish the *actual* working relationship.
The case proves that the IR35 issue is never a �done deal�
and through shared knowledge and top class back-up, members
can work together to protect their interests.
Comment on pre budget statement
Kevin Miller, PCG Finance Director has provided a summary
of information relevant to members from this week�s pre
budget statement: https://www.pcgroup.org.uk/threads/showpost.pl?f=press-48474&p;=0&v;=c&s;=5
NB You must be a PCG member and logged into the discussion
forums to make this link.
Lobbying report
Andy White recently reported on a number of activities
under the PCG public affairs brief. The range of issues
where PCG is now representing members interests has grown
significantly and now includes fast track visas, IR meetings,
Party conferences, HP cases, Agency legislation, DTI / Small
Business Minister, CBI, Conservative policy, regulations
and small business issues. https://www.pcgroup.org.uk/threads/showpost.pl?f=lobby-25670&p;=0&v;=c&s;=5
Appeal reminder
The judicial review appeal takes place next week, 4th
�6th December in the High Court. Once again PCG will operate
an office nearby and members and interested parties are
invited to call in at any time, to.
The Cheshire Cheese,
5 Little Essex Street,
London WC2 - close to the High Court from early til late
each day (December 4-6, 2001).
(PLEASE NOTE: This is NOT Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese in Fleet
Street).
PCG will be posting a comprehensive background briefing
about the case and regular statements and updates on a dedicated
news site: http://www.ir35update.co.uk
PCG Shop and Book discounts
PCG-branded merchandise is now available, including
- Document bags
- 2002 Diaries
- Mousemats
- Lapel badges
Details of prices and how to order are available:
www.pcgroup.org.uk/members/resources/pcg_shop.html
Also, members are now able to purchase two key IR35 related
books at special PCG rates. The books are written by two of
PCG's key advisors, Dave Smith of Accountax and Anne Redston
of Ernst & Young:
Use the link below to buy IR35:
- Personal Service Companies By Anne Redston, for �44.50
(save �5)
- Tolley's IR35 Defence Strategies: From Contracts to
the Commissioners By David Smith. �22.50 - 50% discount
www.pcgroup.org.uk/members/book_order.html
Members' resolutions
There is a members' forum on the site where members can post
their own resolutions and seek support. Current 'live' resolutions
can be viewed at:
www.pcgroup.org.uk/threads/wwwthreads.pl?a=l&f;=28
REGIONAL NEWS
Real Life Meetings
For the latest information and to start a local group see www.pcgroup.org.uk/threads/wwwthreads.pl?a=l&f;=meet
To promote your local meet through the newsletter - email [email protected]
with REGIONS in the subject matter, details of the event and
a name and email contact point/or phone number for further information.
Herts - Old Welwyn
Christmas meal: Thursday 29th November at Jade Palace, 23-25
Middle Row, Old Town High St, Stevenage, Starts at 8pm
Cheshire Cheese, London 4/5/6 December (JR Appeal)
Tuesday 4th Dec - Upstairs (old War Room) available all
day. Wednesday 5th Dec - Upstairs (old War Room) until 1700,
then basement. Thursday 6 Dec - Basement bar all day.
Amsterdam
Thursday 6th December Venue: "In de Wildeman" which is in
easy staggering distance of Centraal Station. Time:From
8pm
Christmas meal
Under discussion - see CLC Xmas Bash � Friday 7th December,
Details to be released shortly here: https://www.pcgroup.org.uk/threads/showpost.pl?f=meet-4221&p;=0&v;=c&s;=5
Yorkshire
Yorkshire RLM Xmas Dinner Friday 7th December Time: 7.30pm
Venue: Jinnah on Micklegate in York
Newcastle upon Tyne
Tuesday 11th December Venue: The next meeting will be in
the Carriage pub (Archbold Terrace - 2 minutes from Jesmond
Metro station) Time: 7.30pm
Thames Valley
Thames Valley Xmas Meal - Tuesday 18th December Venue: Yangze
Chinese Restaurant � Windsor Contact: Robert Broxup - [email protected]
Glos/Wilts/Worcs
Christmas 'Do' Tuesday 18th December Time: Lunchtime Venue:
Golden Heart, Nettleton Contact: Susie Haigh
Cambridge XMAS Meal
Place : Chilis Grill and Bar Location : Next to the
Grafton Centre on East Road Date : Thursday 20 December
Time : 7pm for 8pm meal I haved booked a table for 8 for
a meal! Please confirm whether you are a definite or not
as I have placed a deposit down for 8 and they need to know
sooner rather than later to increase the numbers as necessary.
Please follow this link to Real Life meetings to get involved
https://www.pcgroup.org.uk/threads/wwwthreads.pl?a=l&f;=meet
Mark Roderick
(PCG Executive Team)
This newsletter is published by the Professional Contractors
Group. Please feel free to circulate the newsletter to other
independent contractors who you know, and who may be interested
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