Contract Drafting

Whether a contractor is looking to operate outside of IR35, or a company is looking to engage self-employed labour, the first line of defence in any dispute with HMRC is the contract for services. The terms underpin the engagement and should be a reflection of the intention of the parties and the actual working practices. If the contract is weak, the defence is equally weak.

We will work with contractors or engagers to first consider the working arrangements. Where the working arrangements are sufficiently favourable, we will provide a bespoke contract for services to robustly reflect self-employment. Remember: if the contract is not an accurate reflection of what happens in practice, it will simply be considered a sham and disregarded – that is why we don’t suggest an off-the-shelf contract.