Guides
Contractor guides
The questions behind the calculators, answered with real 2026/27 numbers. Every figure is worked out by the same engine that runs the calculators, so the two always agree.
- GuideLimited company vs umbrella: which pays more?Real take-home figures at common day rates, what each route costs you in admin, and when IR35 makes the choice for you.
- GuideHow to pay yourself from a limited companyThe best mix of salary and dividends for 2026/27, with worked figures, and the rules to follow when you take money out.
- GuideIR35 explained: inside vs outside, with real numbersHow the off-payroll rules work, who decides your status, and what an inside determination really does to your take-home pay.
- GuideDividend tax explainedThe 2026/27 rates, the order the tax is worked out in, worked examples, and how and when to pay it.
- GuideYour umbrella payslip explained, line by lineWhy employer costs come out of your rate, what each deduction is, and how to check you're being paid correctly.
- GuideWhat is your day rate worth as a salary?Billable days, why salary ÷ days is misleading, and the day rate you need to match a permanent salary's take-home.
- GuideCorporation tax and marginal relief explainedThe 19% and 25% rates, why profits between £50,000 and £250,000 are taxed at 26.5% at the margin, and when to pay.
- GuideThe Flat Rate VAT Scheme: is it still worth it?How the scheme works, why the 16.5% limited cost trader rate catches most contractors, and worked examples against standard VAT.
- GuideContractor expenses: what you can and can't claimThe wholly and exclusively rule, common allowable costs, what's not allowed, the 24-month travel rule, and what an expense actually saves you.