• Suite RAO1, 195-197 Wood Street, London, E17 3NU
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  • Suite RAO1, 195-197 Wood Street, London, E17 3NU
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Contractor & IR35 Accounting Services

Expert contractor accounting and practical IR35 guidance for contractors, consultants and freelance professionals across the UK.

Running a contracting business comes with unique accounting and tax responsibilities. From limited company accounts and corporation tax to IR35 and personal tax returns, we provide practical advice and reliable support to help you stay compliant and focus on your work.
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IR35 Remains One of the Most Discussed Areas of Contractor Taxation

Few areas of UK tax legislation have generated as much debate and uncertainty as IR35. Introduced to tackle what HMRC refers to as “disguised employment”, the rules have evolved considerably over the years, particularly following the off-payroll working reforms introduced across the public and private sectors.
Despite legislative changes, tribunal cases and ongoing guidance from HMRC, determining whether a contract falls inside or outside IR35 is rarely straightforward. The challenge is that employment status is often determined by the reality of the working relationship rather than simply what is written in a contract.
As a result, many contractors continue to face uncertainty when deciding how to structure their affairs, assess contracts and understand their tax obligations. What appears straightforward on the surface can often become a grey area once working practices, control, substitution rights and mutual obligations are considered.
Having access to practical guidance and reliable accounting support can help contractors understand their position and make informed decisions with greater confidence.
Why IR35 Remains One of the Most Discussed Areas of Contractor Taxation

Why Determining IR35 Status Is Rarely Straightforward

IR35 is often discussed as though contracts are either clearly inside or clearly outside the legislation. In reality, many engagements sit somewhere in between, which is one reason the rules continue to generate debate across the contracting sector.

Contracts Don't Always Tell The Full Story

While contract wording is important, HMRC and employment status tribunals also consider how an engagement operates in practice. A well-written contract alone may not determine the outcome.

Employment Status Is Not Always Clear

Many contractors operate independently but still work closely with clients. Determining whether a contractor is genuinely self-employed or operating in a manner similar to an employee is not always straightforward.

Small Details Can Make A Big Difference

Employment status assessments often depend on factors that may appear minor at first glance. Elements such as supervision, control, substitution rights and financial risk can all influence the overall picture.

Different Opinions Are Common

It is not unusual for contractors, agencies, end clients and HMRC to have different views on the same engagement. This is one reason IR35 continues to generate debate across the contracting sector.

Contractor We Commonly Work With

Contracting is no longer limited to the IT sector. Today, professionals across a wide range of industries choose contracting because it offers flexibility, specialist opportunities and project-based work. We support contractors operating across a variety of sectors throughout the UK.

IT Contractors

IT Contractors

Whether you're working through a limited company, undertaking project-based assignments or moving between clients, contractor accounting often involves considerations around IR35, dividends, expenses and company compliance. We support software developers, IT consultants, cybersecurity professionals and technology specialists across a wide range of engagements.

Engineering Contractors

Engineering Contractors

Engineering contractors often work on long-term projects, specialist assignments and consultancy engagements across multiple sectors. We help engineering professionals stay on top of their accounting and tax obligations while providing practical guidance on contractor-specific issues.

Business Consultants

Business Consultants

Management consultants, business advisers and transformation specialists often operate across multiple clients and projects throughout the year. Maintaining organised records and understanding the tax implications of different engagements is an important part of running a successful consultancy business.

Construction & Project Professionals

Construction & Project Professionals

Project managers, surveyors and specialist construction professionals frequently work across changing contracts and client engagements. We help contractors manage their accounting obligations while navigating the practical challenges associated with contractor working arrangements.

Marketing & Creative Contractors

Marketing & Creative Contractors

Marketing consultants, designers, digital specialists and creative professionals often balance multiple clients, projects and income streams. Having clear financial records and reliable accounting support can help keep things organised and compliant.

Interim Managers & Freelance Professionals

Interim Managers & Freelance Professionals

Interim executives and freelance professionals are often engaged to deliver specialist expertise over fixed periods. We provide accounting support designed to help contractors focus on client work while keeping their affairs organised throughout the year.

Practical Accounting Support For Contractors

While IR35 often dominates discussions around contractor taxation, there are also day-to-day accounting and compliance responsibilities that need to be managed correctly. Depending on how you operate, this may include company accounts, corporation tax returns, payroll, bookkeeping and personal tax returns.

Having reliable accounting support can help contractors maintain accurate records, meet filing obligations and gain greater confidence in their financial affairs.

IT Contractors

Limited Company Accounts & CT600

Many contractors continue to operate through limited companies, even where IR35 considerations form part of the decision-making process. Preparing annual accounts and corporation tax returns requires an understanding of how contractors typically extract income, manage company finances and meet ongoing compliance obligations.

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Engineering Contractors

Self Assessment Tax Returns

Contractors often receive income from multiple sources, including salaries, dividends and other taxable income. Ensuring personal tax returns accurately reflect these arrangements is an important part of remaining compliant.

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Business Consultants

Bookkeeping & Financial Records

Maintaining organised records throughout the year helps support accurate reporting, tax compliance and better visibility over company finances.

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Construction & Project Professionals

Payroll & Director Salaries

Many contractor limited companies operate a combination of salary and dividend income. Managing payroll correctly helps ensure reporting obligations are met and records remain accurate.

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Marketing & Creative Contractors

IR35 Guidance

IR35 remains one of the most discussed areas of contractor taxation. We provide practical guidance to help contractors understand the implications of different working arrangements and contracts.

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Interim Managers & Freelance Professionals

Ongoing Support

Contractor circumstances can change quickly as contracts begin, end or evolve. We provide ongoing support to help clients navigate these changes with greater confidence.

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Why Contractors Choose RAIMS

Many contractors are looking for more than a year-end compliance service. They want clear guidance, responsive support and confidence that their accounting and tax affairs are being managed properly throughout the year.

  • Understanding More Than Just The Numbers

Contractor taxation often involves more than preparing accounts and tax returns. Areas such as IR35, employment status and off-payroll working rules require an understanding of both tax legislation and the practical realities of contracting.

  • Straightforward Communication

IR35 and contractor taxation can sometimes feel complex. We explain matters clearly and aim to provide practical guidance without unnecessary jargon, helping contractors understand their obligations and options.

  • Professionalism You Can Rely On

Accuracy, reliability and responsiveness are important when managing contractor affairs. Whether preparing accounts, submitting tax returns or providing guidance throughout the year, we aim to deliver a professional service.

  • More Time To Focus On Client Work

Managing contracts, projects and client relationships already demands significant attention. By helping contractors stay on top of their accounting and tax obligations, we allow them to spend more time focusing on their work.

Common Contractor & IR35 Questions

Every contractor’s circumstances are different, but there are certain questions that come up time and time again. Below are answers to some of the most common questions we receive about contractor accounting, IR35 and limited company compliance.
What is IR35 and how does it affect contractors?
IR35 is HMRC’s rule to determine whether you’re genuinely self‑employed or effectively working as an employee. It affects how much tax you pay and whether you can take dividends. We help you understand your position clearly.
It depends on your working practices, control, substitution and mutuality of obligation. We review your contract and explain your status in plain English.
Yes. We can review the determination, help you challenge it if appropriate, and explain your options.
You can keep your company, but your tax treatment changes. We explain the pros and cons based on your situation.
Yes. Operating through a limited company does not automatically mean a contract falls outside IR35. Employment status depends on the nature of the engagement and working arrangements.
The consequences depend on the circumstances and tax position involved. We can help you understand the implications and provide guidance on the options available.
Yes. We can set up your company, register you for payroll and VAT, and guide you through the transition.
Potentially, yes. Having multiple clients may be relevant, but IR35 status is determined by several factors rather than any single test.
Yes. We support a wide range of contractors including IT consultants, software developers, engineers, project managers, business consultants and freelance professionals.
Yes — including the Flat Rate Scheme, which many contractors use.
Yes. We run your monthly payroll and ensure everything is submitted to HMRC correctly.
Yes. We calculate dividends, explain tax implications and help you stay compliant.
Do you work with contractors across the UK?
Yes. We support contractors across the UK using secure cloud-based systems, phone and video meetings. Where required, face-to-face meetings can also be arranged.
Yes. We deal with HMRC on your behalf and guide you through the process.
Many contractors are required to submit a Self Assessment tax return, particularly where income is received through a limited company, dividends or other taxable sources. We can prepare and submit your return on your behalf.
Yes. We can manage your bookkeeping or guide you on the best setup.
Yes. We regularly support first-time contractors and can guide you through company formation, payroll, bookkeeping, tax obligations and ongoing compliance requirements.
It depends on your IR35 status. We explain what’s allowable and what isn’t.
Yes — we explain how off‑payroll working affects your contract and tax.
We offer full year‑round support, not just annual filings.
Yes — we can help with company closure and final accounts.
Yes — we explain both options based on your day rate, contract length and IR35 status.
Yes — we can review your contract and highlight IR35 risks.

Need Contractor Accounting or IR35 Support?

Whether you’re reviewing a new contract, operating through a limited company or looking for practical IR35 guidance, we’re here to help.
 

Book a free consultation to discuss your circumstances and explore how we can support you.

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