IT Contractor Insurance Lets You Keep Working and the Tax Man Run Away

Regardless of how well you prepare without contractor insurance you may find HMRC knocking down your door. With the introduction of IR 35 in 1999, independent contractors have been struggling to make sure they do not fall prey to the investigations of the Revenue department. IT contractor insurance has become a normal cost of doing business that any one performing personal services contracts can no longer afford to be without. IR35 insurance protects your savings, your business and possibly your reputation when the government comes knocking. Tougher penalties were imposed during 2009 to make the avoidance of paying taxes more confiscatory and the ability to negotiate away much of the financial burden was removed from the law.

Contractor Insurance or IR35 insurance as it is often called is a small price to pay in the event that you must defend yourself against charges that you have violated the rule. Most companies that provide IT contractor insurance offer differing levels of coverage for each individual. Most policies will cover legal fees up to a certain point for a single fee but you can also add protection that can cover any tax and penalties that may be imposed should you be found to not be in compliance with the law. The specilisation of Contractor Insurance has become big business due to the specific investigation goals set by the HM Revenue and Customs department.

A good IT Contractor Insurance policy should cover you from the beginning PAYE compliance visit that is the initial step in an investigation and cover your representation at all levels of the investigation as well. However, if you have been contracting for a long period of time, it would be wise to have contractor insurance that covered any possible negative findings as well, thus preventing you from suffering a catastrophic financial loss from the increased taxes, national insurance and penalties. For a single contractor it is possible to find annual coverage that is less than 300 pounds per year and that should protect you against most legal fees and a lot of the penalties and tax that you may have to pay.

Knowing that you are protected from a catastrophic loss in the event of an enquiry will give you peace of mind to pursue additional free lance work. Not having to worry about small mistakes in your professional life will make you able to concentrate on your current business and give your clients your full attention. Insuranc today is not just for your home and car, it extends into your business life as an independent contractor. Avoiding long term financial problems with the HMRC is just good business today and it shows that you are taking reasonable care when conducting your business affairs. Just like the tools you may have or the education you must continue, IT contractor insurance will keep you free from the worries of financial issues. Provide for your family by protecting your source of income just as carefully as you provide care for your clients.