The Small Consultancies Guide to IR35 - 3 essential steps to maximise value
How contractors can grow a small consultancy and adhere to IR35 compliance to maximise the sale value.
IR35 Shield
Guides
IR35 settlements. Resolve IR35 tax issues the right way.
If you’ve received an IR35 tax assessment from HMRC, IR35 Shield can help you take control, limit exposure, and manage the resolution professionally and efficiently. You will have already had an HMRC Compliance Check, having taken other advice or sought to resolve in-house, and now need IR35 Shield’s expert defence team to step in and resolve matters with HMRC.
If you’re considering a settlement, our experts will guide you through every step of the process. Get in touch to find out how we can help.
Resolve issues before they escalate
Even the most diligent organisations can make honest mistakes when dealing with IR35. It could be that:
- HMRC has identified incorrect determinations; or
- You’ve uncovered historic compliance issues
Whatever the reason, acting early and strategically can make a substantial difference to the outcome. Our goal is to protect your business, reduce exposure, and achieve a fair and efficient resolution.
Why early action matters
Taking the initiative to approach HMRC before they open an investigation leads to significantly better outcomes.
Unprompted disclosures typically attract lower penalties and are viewed more favourably than reactive settlements.
Our team can help you assess your position, quantify the potential exposure, and prepare a professionally managed disclosure that demonstrates full cooperation and transparency, whilst ensuring you only pay what is genuinely due.
Peace of mind and professional guidance
Facing HMRC can be daunting but with IR35 Shield, you’re in safe hands.
Our expert resolutions team will:
- Explain the full process clearly from start to finish
- Liaise directly with HMRC to manage the disclosure or settlement
- Calculate offsets and review every engagement carefully
- Defend your position robustly
- Help you reach a fair and commercially viable resolution
Our involvement provides peace of mind that your case is being managed professionally, transparently, and strategically.
A pragmatic, commercial approach
We recognise that every case is unique, and professional fees should be invested in line with the level of financial and reputational risk involved. While some engagements may be arguable as “Outside IR35” at a tax tribunal, there are times when it is commercially sensible to settle.
IR35 Shield will help you strike the right balance between robust defence and practical resolution.
Trust the right team for your IR35 defence
Adept at successfully defending enquiries, our investigations team utilise their knowledge and experience to successfully defend off-payroll status for clients.
Chris Leslie
Chris Leslie has over 30 years’ legal experience defending clients in disputes with HMRC. His years managing Status Inspectors at HMRC, combined with his specialist qualifications in analytics, give him an in-depth understanding of how to counter the arguments used by HMRC.
Dave Chaplin
Dave Chaplin is the UK's leading IR35 authority. He consults with HMRC and government on IR35 matters, attends tax tribunals to stay current with case law, has authored two definitive IR35 books, and pioneered the first online IR35 status assessment algorithms nearly 20 years ago.
Dave and Chris’ in-depth knowledge of IR35 and off-payroll combines to provide expert defence and guidance for your business. For help with an IR35 audit or compliance check please get in touch with our team.
We know the details so you don't have to
We keep our finger on the pulse of IR35. You can trust our advice and guidance is always up to date.
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