IR35 legislation has become a central concern for contractors, freelancers, recruitment agencies, and businesses across the UK. Ensuring that your contracts and working practices are compliant with IR35 is crucial to avoid unexpected tax liabilities and HMRC investigations. At The Law Firm Group, our experienced UK solicitors provide specialist IR35 contract review services, offering clarity, protection, and peace of mind in this complex area of law.
Why IR35 Contract Review Matters
IR35, also known as the off-payroll working rules, determines whether a contractor should be treated as an employee for tax purposes. The implications of falling inside or outside IR35 can be significant, affecting not just your tax position but also your financial security and reputation. HMRC scrutiny around IR35 has increased in recent years, and mistakes can result in substantial backdated tax, penalties, and interest.
Whether you are a contractor working through a personal service company, a freelancer, an agency placing contractors, or a business engaging off-payroll workers, a thorough IR35 contract review by expert solicitors is essential to minimise risk and ensure compliance with current UK law.
Who Needs an IR35 Contract Review?
There are several situations where seeking legal advice from specialist solicitors is highly advisable:
- You are a contractor or freelancer entering into a new contract with a client.
- Your agency is responsible for determining IR35 status for contractors you place.
- Your business engages off-payroll workers and must ensure contracts are IR35-compliant.
- You are facing an HMRC enquiry or are concerned about your existing arrangements.
- Your contracts or working practices have changed, and you want reassurance about your IR35 position.
In all these scenarios, The Law Firm Group provides expert legal advice, helping you to navigate the complexities of IR35 with confidence.
How The Law Firm Group Can Help
Comprehensive Contract Review
Our experienced solicitors carefully analyse every aspect of your contract, comparing its terms with your actual working practices. We assess factors such as control, substitution, mutuality of obligation, and other key indicators that HMRC uses to determine employment status. Our goal is to provide clear, practical advice on whether your contract is likely to fall inside or outside IR35, and what changes may be required to strengthen your position.
Expert Legal Advice and Practical Recommendations
The Law Firm Group understands that every client’s situation is unique. Our UK solicitors deliver tailored advice, explaining the legal risks, potential consequences, and the practical steps you can take to address any issues. Where necessary, we suggest amendments to contract language or recommend adjustments to working practices to better align with IR35 compliance requirements.
The IR35 Contract Review Process
Clients can expect a straightforward, efficient process when working with The Law Firm Group:
- Initial Consultation: We begin with a confidential discussion to understand your circumstances, review your current contract, and identify your objectives and concerns.
- Document Review: Our solicitors examine your contract in detail, considering both written terms and actual working arrangements, and benchmark these against HMRC’s IR35 criteria.
- Legal Analysis and Advice: You receive a clear, jargon-free report outlining your IR35 status, the reasons behind our findings, and recommendations for reducing risk or improving compliance.
- Next Steps and Ongoing Support: Should changes be needed, we can assist with contract revisions and provide ongoing legal support. We are always available to answer questions and advise on future contracts or HMRC enquiries.
Common IR35 Challenges and How We Solve Them
Many clients encounter ambiguity in contract terms, unclear working practices, or uncertainty over how HMRC might interpret their arrangements. Common issues include:
- Ambiguous rights of substitution
- Levels of control exercised by the client
- Unclear statements about mutuality of obligation
- Inconsistencies between contract terms and day-to-day working practices
- Retrospective risk due to past contracts
The Law Firm Group’s solicitors have extensive experience in identifying and resolving these challenges. We provide practical, commercially-focused solutions that protect your interests and ensure you are fully prepared should HMRC seek clarification or launch an inquiry.
Benefits of Choosing The Law Firm Group
Clients of The Law Firm Group benefit from:
- Clarity: Understand your IR35 status and obligations with precision.
- Protection: Reduce the risk of costly disputes and HMRC penalties.
- Peace of mind: Rely on expert legal advice from approachable, specialist solicitors.
- Efficiency: Quick turnaround on contract reviews to meet your deadlines.
- Transparent costs: Clear, upfront pricing with no hidden fees.
- Ongoing support: Continued advice as your contracts or working practices evolve.
Getting Started with The Law Firm Group
Engaging The Law Firm Group for an IR35 contract review is simple and stress-free. After an initial consultation to understand your needs, our solicitors will request the relevant contract documents and any supporting information about your working practices. We then carry out a thorough review, followed by a detailed discussion of our findings and recommendations. Should you require further assistance, such as revising contract terms or responding to HMRC, our team remains on hand to support you at every stage.
With The Law Firm Group’s specialist solicitors by your side, you can approach your IR35 compliance with confidence, knowing you have expert legal advice and support tailored to your specific circumstances. Our accessible team is dedicated to helping you achieve clarity, protection, and peace of mind in all matters relating to IR35 and off-payroll working rules.
