23rd August 2010

Contractors urged to register IR35 concerns

Contractors and sole traders have been urged to visit a new website to register issues they may have with IR35 tax legislation.

The coalition recently called on businesses and individuals to share their money-saving ideas as the first phase in its Spending Challenge scheme.

As part of the second phase, the government has now drawn up a shortlist and is asking workers in the UK to rate them on its official website.

The advice group ContractorCalculator said it would be an ideal opportunity for temporary workers to voice their concerns about IR35, which has proved hugely-unpopular since its introduction in 1999.

Dave Chaplin, the organisation's chief executive officer, said: "Contractors can show government that in the ten years since it has been in force, IR35 has damaged UK PLC's competitiveness by unfairly regulating the flexible workforce," he said.

"I would urge all flexible workers to visit the Spending Challenge website, search for IR35 and make their feelings known."

Despite widespread anticipation among contractors for the abolishment of the contentious tax system, the Office of Tax Simplification recently said it is likely to remain in place until next year’s Budget.