Am about to accept my first freelance position and need to set myself up as limited. Biggest scare appears to be IR35 and I am told that I need to be careful with contract:
1. What is the surefire way of being outside IR35 for someone like me who is a providing a professional intellectual service to a large client organisation?? Are there specific bullet points that I need?
2. Should I avoid the words '....Services Limited' in the title of the company stationary and only use '.....Limited'?
3. Is there like an expert on the end of the phone or even a face to face service that is recommended or available for new starters like me?
4. Do you recommend VAT flat rate scheme in the main, or normal way? I realise that it may depend on the volume of purchases for the business; but this I do not expect will be excessive eg. Mobile phone, laptop, stationary, pda etc.
5. Do you recommend a local accountant that you can see, or do you recommend one of these faceless internet accountancy firms that promise everything for £75+VAT or thereabouts per month?
6. What about PCG? Do most of you guys join?
7. What about bank account; do you go with a free set up as shown variously on-line, or do you walk into a high street branch. Any drawbacks here??
Loads of questions I know, but there seems to be a lot that I need to learn!