Contractor Tools & Guides
Practical, contractor-built guides and calculators for UK contractors navigating the 2026/27 tax year. Everything we publish is verified against HMRC sources with full methodology shown.
Inside vs Outside IR35 Explained for 2026/27
Every UK contractor needs to understand IR35. Here is what it actually means for your take-home in 2026/27, why the gap is smaller than it has been in years, and what to do about it.
Read → GuideHow to Negotiate an Inside IR35 Day Rate Uplift in 2026/27
The 20-30% rule of thumb is out of date. The real uplift you need by day rate, what to say in the conversation, and the levers most contractors forget.
Read → GuidePension Salary Sacrifice Inside IR35 in 2026/27
The most tax-efficient lever an inside IR35 contractor has. Real maths at typical day rates, plus the umbrella setup that gets you the full employer NI saving.
Read → ExplainerHow Dividend Tax Actually Works for UK Contractors in 2026/27
Dividend tax went up 2pp in April 2026. The rates, the £500 allowance, the corp tax interaction, and why the £12,570 salary split still wins.
Read → GuideBest Umbrella Companies for UK Contractors in 2026/27
FCSA-accredited UK umbrellas compared. What actually matters when choosing one, the pension salary sacrifice question that changes take-home, and the red flags to walk away from.
Read → GuideIR35 Contract Reviews 2026/27: When You Need One, What They Cost
A neutral comparison of the major UK IR35 review providers (Qdos, Larsen Howie, IR35 Shield, Bauer & Cottrell, Markel Tax). What's actually included, what to look for, and what a review does and doesn't defend you from.
Read → GuideWhat Changed in 2026/27 for UK Contractors
The Autumn 2025 Budget raised dividend tax by 2 percentage points. Here is exactly what that means for your take-home, why it narrowed the inside vs outside gap, and what else changed.
Read → GuidePSC vs Umbrella: A Decision Framework
When does a Personal Service Company beat an umbrella? When should you switch? A practical framework for choosing between the two based on your day rate, contract mix, and tolerance for admin.
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