Contact: 0116 478 3390

info@qdoscommercialservices.com

At Qdos, we believe that compliance comes first, and so whichever IR35 solution you choose, we encourage businesses not to rely solely on CEST. Compare alternative IR35 solutions below.

COMPARE IR35 SOLUTIONS

Whichever IR35 Solution You Choose, Make Sure It’s Not Just CEST

CEST is HMRC’s online tool Check Employment Status for Tax. It is an optional online test hosted on the Government website and consists of a number of limited questions regarding a contractor’s IR35 status. It was introduced in 2017 to assist public sector engagers to determine IR35 status, which is one of the obligations under the off-payroll reform. CEST is also in operation for IR35 changes in the private sector, which will be introduced on 6th April 2021.

When we launched the Qdos Status Review facility, which was introduced before CEST, there were no dedicated IR35 services to help recruitment agencies and end-clients successfully navigate IR35 changes. There are now plenty to choose from – even more than we have included in the table below. In our expert opinion, they each offer a more reliable alternative to HMRC’s flawed CEST tool.

So as we approach IR35 reform in the private sector, we have one simple request: whichever service you choose to manage your IR35 compliance, make sure it’s not just CEST.

A GUIDE TO ALTERNATIVE IR35 ASSESSMENT SERVICES

np = information not provided

https://lp.kingsbridge.co.uk/kingsbridge-status-tool/ [30/09/2020] + Updated on behalf of Kingsbridge representative [24/11/2020]
https://www.brooksonlegal.co.uk/services/ir35-portal/ [12/11/2020]
https://www.brooksonlegal.co.uk/compare-ir35-providers/ [16/11/2020]

Please note the information contained within this table has been obtained from the sources and on the dates referenced and is provided for general information and use only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely. Whilst we have taken all reasonable steps to ensure, as at the date of drafting, the information contained in the document is up to date and accurate in all material respects, the information may be subject to updating and change in the future and we do not make any representation or warranty as to the accuracy and completeness or otherwise of the same going forward. Although we make reasonable efforts to update the information, we make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether express or implied, that the content provided is accurate, complete or up to date. No individual is personally liable in connection with this content. By accessing or using the content or by acting on the basis of the content, you or any third party (as applicable) accepts that no individual is personally liable whether in contract, tort, for breach of statutory duty or otherwise.

WHY IS CEST CONSIDERED UNRELIABLE?

Despite HMRC’s confidence in CEST and even after several iterations over the years, IR35 experts, along with the House of Lords, remain unconvinced by the tool’s reliability. Following a report into IR35, the House of Lords described CEST as “not fit for purpose” and said it “falls well short of what is required.”

In addition to concerns held by IR35 specialists and the House of Lords, there are many other reasons why the tool is considered unreliable and is said to risk non-compliance:

CEST only provides an answer in 80% of cases, leaving users to interpret Government guidance and make an IR35 decision themselves 20% of the time (CEST data 25th November 2019 to 31st January 2020)
Tribunal judges have been highly critical of using a tick-box exercise to determine status
The crucial IR35 status test, Mutuality of Obligation (MoO), is barely factored into the tool despite campaigning from specialists to have CEST amended
There are already cases of HMRC not standing by the results
Crucial questions upon which IR35 status can hinge, such as the right of substitution, are left open to interpretation, increasing the risk of inaccurate information
HMRC deemed CEST ‘irrelevant’ in a recent tribunal hearing

The above points, along with numerous others, mean that relying solely on CEST to assess IR35 leaves users without expert support, guidance and additional services that businesses need to compliantly manage IR35 reform.

QDOS STATUS REVIEW

Assess the IR35 status of your off-payroll workers fairly and compliantly with the award-winning Qdos Status Review platform. We assess workers based on two decades’ of experience handling enquiries and completing assessments, and insure the risks involved whilst ensuring your obligations are met under the off-payroll working rules. More than just an IR35 tool, Qdos Status Review is a complete support service from unrivalled IR35 experts, enabling 2,200+ businesses to compliantly place and engage contract workers.

FIND OUT MORE

WHO ARE QDOS?

Qdos are leading IR35 experts and have been since the legislation was introduced in 2000.

In this time we have pioneered IR35 insurance, reviewed over 150,000 engagements for IR35 status, defended over 1,600 IR35 enquiries, and supported over 2,200 businesses to fairly and compliantly manage IR35 reform in both public and private sectors.

The award-winning Qdos Status Review facility is only one part of what we do for businesses taking on IR35 responsibilities from April – our tailored consultancy services can include audits, policy writing, outsourced service reviews, training, as well as client support and stakeholder engagement.

Our team consist of former HMRC inspectors and dedicated IR35 consultants who are on hand both for you and your contractors throughout the process.

For more information and to hear how Qdos could help your business with IR35 compliance, please contact us on 0116 478 3390 or info@qdoscommercialservices.com

COMPANIES WE WORK WITH

Since we started working with Qdos we have been continually impressed by their technical excellence and flexible approach to designing bespoke solutions for complex requirements. By combining cutting edge technology with their knowledge of the legislation, they have provided us with an excellent service which has been of considerable benefit to our business and clients. Their knowledge of the market is exceptional and, as a result, they are very proactive and able to offer helpful advice and ideas.

Steve Witts

Group Head of Tax and Treasury

Hays

Working with Qdos and their IR35 status review tool has had two great advantages over standard agency contact with clients. Firstly it has really helped develop a deeper more consultative relationship (including clients established over 15 years!) and secondly it has given clients the confidence to act pragmatically when looking at the IR35 roll out to the private sector.

It’s great to be able to engage in this way with clients whilst at the same time talk to contractors confidently about their IR35 status moving forward. It is a tool I would thoroughly recommend using when engaging with any of your clients.

Richard Adamthwaite

Sales Director

RequiredIT

Lorien partner with Qdos to provide our client base with the knowledge to effectively manage changes to IR35 legislation. Through adding Qdos to Lorien’s expertise in project management and contingent workforce models, we are able to offer an all-in-one solution to clients that ensures maximum compliance in addition to competitive advantage.

Darren Topping

Business Solutions Director

Lorien

Orion has a long history of working with Qdos on IR35 matters. With provision of an easy to use interface and realistic response timelines, Orion has been delighted with the services provided by Qdos, who has carried out many IR35 assessments and implemented a range of solutions for various clients.

We have been frequently commended on our professional and process-led approach to IR35. Our aim to simplify workforce management and manage complex matters such as IR35 for clients has been well-received, and Qdos is an important part of our market offering. All parties have been satisfied with the results and we will look to emulate these arrangements as we progress towards April 2021.

Ross MacRae

HR Director and Group Deputy Managing Director

Orion Group

Our primary goal has always been to drive compliance throughout the supply chain and ensure our agency partners and contractors are operating legally and safely. This partnership is a 360 degree, end-to-end IR35 solution, ensuring those who are genuinely outside of IR35 can continue to work in this manner whilst giving their business a commercial edge.

Clarke Bowles

Head of Key Accounts

Parasol Group

This industry-first partnership has the potential to help all recruiters impacted by IR35 reform successfully navigate the off-payroll working rules, enabling businesses to minimise disruption, retain their contractor workforce and ensure compliance.

Dominic Johns

Head of Business Development

Qdos

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