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Simon Moore

Simon writes impartial news and engaging features for the contractor industry, covering, IR35, the loan charge and general tax and legislation. He also edits and commissions viewpoint pieces and ‘how to’ guides from the industry’s leading experts.

He trained under NCTJ-approved journalism tutors before working in the newsrooms of leading consumer, local and national media titles.

He is the managing director of Moore News Ltd, whose clients include trade publications, digital start-ups and FTSE-listed recruiters.

Author Content

Five schemes of varying levels of sophistication get newly ‘named and shamed’, and three others are put under HMRC stop notices.

Government claims to accept PAC’s recommendations despite one recommendation stemming from fears the taxman’s OPW approach puts off legitimate business activity.

The unfortunate, disorientating, guinea pig-like experience of Richard Alcock is grounds for government to ‘seriously consider other options’ -- IR35 advisers.

Receiving a fixed regular fee irrespective of work done is now enough to satisfy the ‘uncomplicated’ MoO test.

Disappointed, insulted, and back in ‘wait and see’ mode, contractor umbrella companies at least know the future is a ‘due diligence’ requirement for agencies to police.

An IT consultant who won on IR35 back in 2019 is told the judge got it wrong, meaning an HMRC bill of  £240,000 is still ‘hanging over’ him. 

Hopes raised that despite falling further last month, IT contractor demand has now bottomed out -- ahead of a potential April-June boom.

A 90% cut in the dividend allowance takes the gloss of ‘a good IR35 thing likely to have very little impact.’

A tip to buy six £50 food vouchers before the tax year ends isn’t going down well with all limited company tax advisers -- for fear it may not go down well with HMRC.

UK contractor service providers will be recognised in 23 distinct categories. Who will you root for from Aug 1st, and cheer on in London on Nov 13th?

Seven ‘new’ schemes which the taxman says contractors should withdraw from were ‘named and shamed’ in 2024’s first quarter.

Frustrated CEOs, candidates waiting longer, and concerned agents asking if last month’s ‘uncertainty’ is a ‘sign of harder times to come.’

'Let’s just hope the wait’s been worth it' - and other sentiments ahead of brolly regulation ‘next steps’ being finally revealed by officials.

Chancellor has nothing to say on the ‘onerous and impractical’ HMRC framework linked to ‘deterring legitimate economic activity.’

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt delivers a ‘let down’ to PSCs, but umbrella contractors pocket £900 a year plus a (recycled) promise of regulation.

Despite loud heckles, Jeremy Hunt manages to deliver a Spring Budget for ‘lower taxes…and long-term growth.’

200,000 out of 360,000 contractors no longer being limited, indicates MPs are right to worry HMRC’s approach to the OPW rules ‘deters economic activity.’

Contractor accountants fear they’ll have no choice other than to join the government agency in putting up prices for Personal Service Companies. 

The taxman isn’t getting much credit for taking the number of cases which CEST has been tested against from 24 to 36.

Yolo Wealth gives a guarded welcome to the chancellor potentially offering a new way to buy an initial chunk of UK company shares tax-free.