IR35: more government departments facing significant tax bills

It has recently been revealed that the Ministry of Justice and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs are facing combined tax bills of at least £121m. This is due to incorrectly determining the deemed employment status of workers who provide their services via an intermediary, typically a personal service company. Both government departments are likely to incur penalties, but the critical question is whether the engager has taken reasonable care?

This is a significant challenge which both private and public sector engagers must consider, especially as HM Revenue & Customs have stated the light-touch approach that is currently being applied will come to an end on 5 April 2022. Where any business engages contractors, they should review their current policies and procedures to ensure they will withstand any HMRC challenge.

For further information please speak with Nick Bustin, Employment Tax Director, or your usual haysmacintyre contact.