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Help please!

Recently fell victim to the recession (thanks bankers!) and was made redundant. Nothing left to lose, and we've got a little nest egg, thanks to my wife's parents, so am (gulp) thinking of going into business for myself (I'm an IT bod by profession and inclination ;), travelling to clients and working in their offices.

First off, would I be better off as a sole trader? Or maybe a partner with my wife? Or should I form a proper company? Sorry, pretty clueless here!

And secondly - will working in the offices of my clients (sometimes for extended periods) attract the beady eye of HMRC, and make them question my self-employment (or whatever I decide to go for) status?

TIA for any help...
Jonny

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It probably depends on what you mean by 'extended periods'; and the number of distinct clients you work for is also a key factor. If you manage to have four or five clients, or even three, then working for one of them for a few months probably wouldn't be an issue. It's important that you have a written contract with each client which avoids mention of holidays, sick leave or other employment-style benefits. You should find it easy enough to have an appropriate discussion with your clients: the last thing they want is to get landed with employer's contributions etc.

Good luck!

Jeremy
jeremy

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Thanks Jeremy - that makes a lot of sense. Should hopefully have quite a few clients on the go at any one time - got a few potential jobs lined up already, just need to get my act together...will make sure to have that convo with them from the start though!

Am leaning towards sole trader on the other point. Having done some reading, it just seems less complicated, and less complicated works for me! Still not sure what to do with the wife tho... ;)

J