Accounting for Freelancers
Why is accounting for freelancers so important? The life of a freelancer isn’t a straightforward 9-5 role, and we know that’s probably one of the top three reasons you chose it:
- Freelancers work to their own schedules
- Freelancers don’t have to deal with a manager
- Freelancers keep a higher proportion of what the client pays for their work
To maximise these benefits, it’s important that as much of your working time as possible is spent either winning clients or carrying out work for them. That means spending less time on your own books.
At the same time, a freelancer has to be just as careful to stay in compliance and follow all relevant regulations as a full business – and letting your accounts take a back seat can be a costly mistake not that far down the line!
There’s an obvious solution: bring an expert accountant from ICS Accounting on board (and benefit from our £400 cashback offer!)
We can fit in around your schedule, we may support you but we’re not your manager, and best of all, we may be able to show you where you could retain more of your money.
Freelancers: What Do I Get?
Complete Package
- Limited company formation
- Registration in relevant company tax schemes
- Access to FreeAgent – Online accounting software
- Monthly bank reconciliation
- Quarterly VAT returns
- Monthly payroll
- Confirmation statement
- Year-end financial statements
- Corporation tax return
- Year-end payroll returns
- Director and shareholder self-assessment tax return
- Pension auto-enrolment service
- Access to financial products
- Unlimited IR35 contract reviews
- Direct dial and e-mail to a dedicated accountant
- Quarterly call with a dedicated accountant
Enhanced Package
- Limited company formation
- Registration in relevant company tax schemes
- Access to FreeAgent – Online accounting software
- Monthly bank reconciliation
- Quarterly VAT returns
- Monthly payroll
- Confirmation statement
- Year-end financial statements
- Corporation tax return
- Year-end payroll returns
- Director and shareholder self-assessment tax return
- Pension auto-enrolment service
- Access to financial products
- Unlimited IR35 contract reviews
- Change of Address with HMRC/Companies House
- Direct dial and e-mail to a dedicated accountant
- Quarterly Teams Meeting
- Benefits Portal – one-stop-shop to save money and stay healthy
Additional Charges
Shareholding Changes Change of Address with HMRC/Companies House Additional self-assessment tax return Access to ICS Umbrella solution References for mortgages etc
Additional Charges
Additional self-assessment tax return Access to ICS Umbrella solution
ICS Accounting Supports Freelancers
Since our founding in 2002, freelancers have made up a significant proportion of our customer base – so we have over two decades’ experience in helping people like you to manage your business finances successfully.
We work with freelance sole traders and freelancers operating as a limited company, and we know how important it is to be tax-efficient as a freelancer.
Between keeping your accounts up to date and completing your self-assessment tax return, a surprising amount of your time may be spent on your accounts – all time you’re not spent cultivating new customers or doing paying work for the ones you have.
By choosing ICS Accounting, you’ll have your own dedicated accountant and prepare any documents you may need for compliance in a timely fashion.
You’ll have all the information you need to help you budget through the year. And, of course, as legislation continues to update and evolve, we’ll make sure your accounts are always in line with that legislation.
Tax Planning for Freelancers
Many freelancers who don’t seek advice through the year on their accounts struggle during tax season. They may not have set enough aside. They may also simply not have been tax efficient.
One of the reasons many freelancers go the limited company route is that it can result in more take home pay – though sole traders have fewer filing requirements to work through!
Operating as a limited company, your take home pay will come through a combination of salary and dividends (so long as you operate outside IR35). The tax rate on dividends is lower than the income tax for salary, so if your pay is structured correctly you can legally retain more of the money your clients have paid you.
In addition, you benefit from limited liability should the worst happen, protecting your personal assets.
It isn’t always going to be the case that limited companies are right for you – every freelancer has different requirements based on the work you do, your market, your expected income and other circumstances. However, if you do choose to incorporate, we can help with limited company formation.
Get in touch with us today and we’ll be happy to help.
