IR35 PROTECT &
LEGAL EXPENSES COVER

Frequently asked questions

• When Will I Get My IR35 Results?
• If you don't get an instant inside or outside IR35 result through our automated tool, our IR35 consultancy team will assess your answers and get back to you within 5 working days. Please note that the cut-off time to submit your assessment within a 'working day' is 5.30pm.

• Is My IR35 result legally binding?
• Our IR35 tool was created and is overseen by experts that have been working in the IR35 arena for decades, and we can provide a thorough, accurate IR35 result. However, the IR35 legislation itself is built on caselaw, and as such no status determination is legally binding – not even from HMRC's own CEST tool.

• Can my IR35 result change at a later date?
• Yes – much like when you see IR35 tribunal appeals produce a different outcome depending on the Judge, your IR35 status could be re-reviewed at a later date and change. This only usually happens with very borderline cases however, and we'll highlight problem areas for you to work on to avoid this possibility.

• Is an IR35 status review the same as a contract or working practices review?
• No, all three are different products. A status review via the Kingsbridge IR35 tool will ask a set of expertly crafted questions that take into account a 360 view of your contract and working practices to produce an automated, instant answer (in most cases). A contract review only looks at your contract terms and a working practices review only looks at – you guessed it – your working practices. In most cases, a status review will give the most accurate employment status determination based on the information you provide.

• What happens if my IR35 status review produces an inside result?
• If you land inside IR35 don't worry – there are things that can be done to change your determination. We'll highlight problem areas that have caused the inside result and suggest you speak to either your recruiter or end client to collaboratively amend them. You can then get another review to check if your amends have been sufficient to change your determination.

• Do you include recommendations on changes to my contract or working practices?
• Not explicitly, but we do highlight problem areas within your answers and are happy to offer guidance over the phone (this is usually necessary for borderline cases in particular). It's then for you and your recruiter or end client to work together to make sure you're safely outside IR35.

• Can i speak to the assessor about my ir35 status?
• If you would like to discuss your review, you can email ir35reviews@kingsbridge.co.uk. Borderline cases will usually need at least one conversation with the assessor to help you properly understand the issues with your employment status. IR35 Protect policy holders have access to an IR35 helpline available to answer any questions you may have, we also offer in-depth, free guides on our Knowledge Hub that may be able to help you.

• Can you liaise with the end client or agency on my behalf for any amends?
• Our IR35 status tool has been specifically designed to provide an IR35 result that is usable for clients, recruiters, and contractors alike. Your IR35 report will give you key areas to work on and we recommended taking this back to your client to discuss any changes required. You can refer them to our IR35 consultancy team who will be happy to talk to them about their approach to IR35 and preparations for the off-payroll changes in April 2021.

• What happens if i only fix some of the IR35 problems that you've highlighted?
• Often just changing one or two problematic aspects of your contract or working practices is enough to swing the needle. You very rarely see a 'perfectly outside IR35' set of circumstances – as long as the 'outside' points outweigh the 'inside' you should be fine. Once you think you've made enough changes, or you've made as many as your client will agree to, it's always best to get another review to check if your results have improved.

• Will you re-review my IR35 assessment after i've made changes, or do i need to purchase another one?
• If you opt for the Premium IR35 Protect package, you'll be able to take advantage of unlimited IR35 status assessments. If you've bought a standalone assessment and get a borderline result, our IR35 expert team will review your answers and provide a detailed response regarding the problem areas. If you agree changes with your client, we will amend your assessment and re-review your position provided these changes are made within a reasonable time period and the basic arrangements are still the same.

  Full terms, conditions and exclusions can be found here.