HMRC assessed Elaine Richardson who worked via ECR Consulting Ltd for £50,000 under IR35.
The case went to tribunal where three tests were applied; mutuality of obligation, substitution and control to determine the nature of her working relationship.
In deliberating, the tribunal made the following observations about ECR:
- It operated from a dedicated business area at her home
- It has company a domain and website
- It advertises its services and is a member of the Professional Contractors Group
- There are retained reserves and invested in business development
- Over the years ECR has taken on fixed price work for a variety of clients.
The tribunal judges concluded, “it is clear to us that ECR is a genuine business and therefore not a target of the IR35 legislation”.
From this case it is clear that IR35 is still being pursued by HMRC, and freelance arrangements must have a clear commercial trading rationale behind them.
If you have any queries about how IR35 applies to you or are thinking about going freelance, please get in touch on Leeds (0113 2443502).