Cinch for new contractors

When you’re new to contracting, it can be hard to see the wood for the trees. Our role at Cinch is to help you enjoy all the benefits of contracting (more take-home pay, more flexibility) without all the faff (admin, figuring out tax). Let Cinch lead you out of the scary paperwork forest and into the light. It’s nice here.

Our admin, accounting and payroll pros are here to ensure you enjoy all the benefits of contracting (more take-home pay, more flexibility) with none of the faff (admin, daunting letters, submitting your own tax returns). We get to know our customers and their work circumstances so well, they can pick up the phone, explain the problem and we see to it.  Just like that.

Have you decided whether you’re going to start a limited company or be employed under an umbrella company? This can be tricky. You may need to consider the lengths of your contracts, your finances and the amount of paperwork you’re comfortable with taking on.

From this early stage, Cinch can help. Our specialist advisers will talk you through your options and allow you to make the most rewarding, least taxing choice for you.

We’ve set out in brief some useful guidance here, but nothing beats a conversation face to face or on the phone. Call us.

What is it? An umbrella company employs professional contractors who carry out short-term assignments for recruitment agencies and / or end-clients.

What are the pros? The umbrella company makes your Pay As You Earn (PAYE) and National Insurance (NI) deductions for you. It allows you to offset allowable expenses (such as travel, meals and accommodation) against tax – meaning you can increase your take-home pay. Cinch’s umbrella company service is the simplest solution for most contractors, with no unexpected tax bills and a straightforward process for claiming expenses (simply complete and submit your timesheets). You have the flexibility of contracting with the security of being employed, so you still have access to a state pension, statutory sick pay, holiday pay and maternity / paternity pay.

What are the cons? This is the most expensive way of working. You will receive a salary that is subject to full PAYE tax and NI, so it’s just like being a permanent member of staff again.

How can Cinch help? Let Cinch employ you under an umbrella company and you’ll have the full support of our human resources team. As well as helping to maximise your take-home pay we provide an SMS update service for payments and receipts of expenses, so you always know where you are with your money.

In brief, the umbrella option is probably for you if …
* Your rate of pay is below £15 per hour
* You’re not sure how long you are going to be contracting
* You are completely new to contracting
* You want to do very little paperwork.

As you may know, the Construction Industry Scheme sets out the rules for how payments to you, working in the construction industry, must be handled. Cinch knows the CIS inside out – and how to maximise its benefits for you.

If you’re ready to start self-employed work in the construction industry, then Cinch’s CIS service is for you.

The advantages of being self-employed are multiple. You have a reduced National Insurance contribution and can offset allowable expenses against your tax liability – both of which mean more take-home pay. You can work on assignments for companies who would not contract with you directly (why not?).

With self-employment, of course, come tax obligations and paperwork. We know these aren’t everyone’s favourite pastimes.

But don’t worry – they’re a Cinch for us. As well as making the appropriate tax deductions on your behalf and keeping you in line with all current legislation, our HR experts and legal advisers will give you as much support as you need. Our role in life is to make sure you enjoy all the good things about being self-employment, with none of the payroll monsters to drag you down.