IR35 is to be retained with the government committing to improving the way it is administered, according to Budget documents.

The documents say that following the publication of the OTS review of small business tax, the government will commit to setting up a dedicated helpline staffed by specialists.

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Jenrick IT has learned that the government has confirmed that it will conduct a complete review of how small businesses and entrepreneurial businesses are taxed. (more…)

The government’s decision to retrospectively close a loophole in the UK Isle of Man double taxation treaty is threatening the livelihoods of more than 2,000 freelancers.

The impact of backdated legislation in the Finance Bill 2008, to deal with affected schemes, has been so “severe” that all other retrospective provisions should be diverted. (more…)

CUK forum members have uncovered an apparent Conservative policy to refuse to back a parliamentary motion calling for the repeal of the controversial IR35 tax rule. (Source: Contractor UK)

Two posters – DiscoStu and Ardesco – have reported receiving the same stock email in response to a request for their MP to sign the motion. DiscoStu’s reply was written on the MP’s behalf by his researcher, whilst Ardesco’s was written in the first person. The message discusses IR35 in some detail, but explains why the MP “feels unable” to back the motion to repeal the rule. (more…)