Umbrella Company Pension Schemes – What You Need to Know

Pension schemes help employees put money aside for retirement directly from their wage. The problem for self-employed professionals is that they need to manage this themselves,either by setting up a pension scheme or saving money from their income.

Fortunately,umbrella companies class contractors as employees,giving them all the benefits of employment. That includes a pension scheme,which now requires contribution from the umbrella company too. Let’s take a closer look at the statutory pension schemes available through umbrella companies.

Auto-enrolment pensions

In 2012,the UK Government decided that workers weren’t saving enough for their retirement. People were relying too much on the State Pension,which had not received adequate funding to match the continuing rise in life expectancy and an ageing population.

To combat this,they introduced automatic enrolment. The new system,rolled out from 2012 to 2018,requires employers to automatically enrol eligible employees onto a workplace pension scheme. Employers are also responsible for deducting contributions from their pre-tax income and making a minimum statutory contribution to the employee’s savings.

In October 2012,this minimum contribution was set to 1 percent for employees,which was matched by employers,rising in 2018:

• October 2012 to 5th April 2018: employers 1%,employees 1%
• 6th April 2018 to 5th April 2019: employers 2%,employees 3%
• 6th April 2019 onwards: employers 3%,employees 5%

However for anyone that doesn’t want to contribute to a pension once you’re enrolled you can still opt out.

Umbrella company pension scheme

Working through an umbrella company,contractors are classed as an employee. That means,yes,you are automatically enrolled onto the umbrella company’s pension scheme as long as you meet the following criteria:

• Your work is primarily UK-based
• You earn more than £10,000 per year
• You’re between 22 and the state pension age.

Until 5th April 2019,3% of your pre-tax salary will go directly into a pension fund,with the umbrella company contributing a further 2%. From 6th April 2019,5% of your pre-tax salary will go into the same pension fund,with your umbrella company contributing a further 3%.

The benefits of an umbrella company pension

Some contractors may worry that this will eat away at their wages. Don’t. Pension contributions are made before your wages are taxed. That means anything that goes from your wage into your pension fund is tax-free rather than being taxed at 20% or even 40%. So,instead of receiving 60% of your income,you receive 100% via a pension fund.

Let’s say you earn over £46,351 per year,which puts you in the higher rate band of income tax. Anything you earn beyond that £46,351 per year (roughly £3,863 per month) is taxed at a rate of 40%. You get just £60 for every £100 of income. Why not put the full £100 straight into the pension fund instead?

That’s why many people,especially those in the higher rate band of income tax,choose to put more than the minimum into their pension fund. And this is entirely possible. Contractors can contribute up to £40,000 to their pension scheme per year,comprising tax-free income and employer contributions. Currently,there is a lifetime allowance of £1,030,000 which can be contributed before incurring any tax.

Using your funds

With the increased earnings of contracting,it’s common for contractors to retire early. Alternatively,you might simply want to get some of the money out for a holiday,new car or home improvement. The good news is: you don’t have to wait until the state pension age to access the pension funds you’ve built up through your umbrella company pension.

Once you’re 55 or over,you can access up to 25% of your pension pot as a tax-free lump sum. Anything beyond the 25% will be taxed as an addition to the rest of your income that tax year – either 20% over £11,850,40% over £46,351 or £45% over £150,000,as things currently stand. That’s why most people choose to take their pension as regular income once they have retired,to minimise the amount of tax paid.

What about limited companies?

Contractors who operate as a limited company can still benefit from the tax relief of a pension scheme. However,as with most things relating to limited companies,this requires a lot more effort on their part. Firstly,they have to get the right balance between salary and dividend payments to increase the limit on their pension contributions.

Because employer contributions,such as pensions,count as a business expense,they are subject to tax relief. So,when you contribute to your pension scheme,as a director,the company could save money in corporation tax.

However,this has added complications because it needs to be fully compliant as an allowable expense. Any other employees,for example,should be given comparable packages to prove to HMRC that it is a genuine business expense.

On top of all that,using a limited company pension scheme means setting up and paying into the pension fund yourself. Along with all the other administrative work for limited company owners,it’s definitely worth seeking advice and assistant from a trusted accountant.

Get the right assistance

Whether you’re looking to compare umbrella companies or find the right accountant,you can make the right choice with -. Our online comparison tool lets you assess multiple companies in a matter of minutes. It couldn’t be easier to take the hassle out of contracting. Contact us today for more information.

With so much printed material being produced each year by the smallest of companies,the advantages of managed print services (also known as MPS) is continuing to grow significantly.

Companies are starting to realise that going green is important these days and that they have to do something about it.

Management of print resources may be the first step in ensuring a waste-free organisation. But,how do you go about finding the best managed print services company.

These following criteria are the most critical things to consider:

• Full integrated services

There is no point in hiring a credit repair professional that offers print services for just one printer manufacturer. You need to pick a business that manages every aspect,from audits to management and maintenance of printers,faxes and all in one machines.

Using a management system like this will ensure that you get your moneys worth from your printer network. Plus you can rest easy knowing that your entire office’s resources are being managed effectively.

• Cost effective solutions

The purpose of MPS is to save you money,so any company that charges you too much will not work. A good MPS offer will be affordable,one that saves your funds rather than making you spend cash. Don’t be lured by false promises and flashy companies offering the world,rather choose companies with proven results,happy customers and realistic costs.

• Dedication to great customer service

One of the most important parts of every good and reliable MPS is attention to detail,and the amount customer service provided. Personalised attention to detail and ongoing support is vital.

• Full tech support team

There is no point in an MPS without the proper technical support. They have to have experienced and skilled printer technicians which are eager to diagnose and fix issues quickly and simply. This minimises any potential costs and ensures smooth operation.

These skilled workers should be able to identify all common (as well as those less common) printers,faxes and other systems.

This is what makes managed print services such a worthy investment for companies everywhere.

For more information or help please see Xeretec.co.uk

What does slip and fall mean in the legal space?

In the legal space, “slip and fall” refers to a type of personal injury claim that arises when an individual is injured due to slipping, tripping, or falling on someone else’s property. According to the Munley Law Glossary, these cases are typically classified as premises liability claims, where the injured party seeks compensation for injuries sustained due to hazardous conditions on a property.

Understanding Slip and Fall

The concept of slip and fall involves several key elements:

Hazardous condition: A slip and fall claim usually centers around a dangerous or hazardous condition on a property that causes the fall. Common hazards include wet or slippery floors, uneven surfaces, poorly lit areas, or obstacles in walkways.

Property Owner’s Duty: Property owners have a legal duty to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition. This includes addressing known hazards, conducting regular inspections, and taking corrective actions to prevent accidents.

Injury and Damages: To succeed in a slip and fall claim, the injured party must demonstrate that the hazardous condition caused their injury and that they suffered damages as a result. Damages may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related costs.

Legal Implications of Slip and Fall

Slip and fall cases involve several legal considerations:

Liability: Establishing liability involves proving that the property owner or occupier was negligent in maintaining the premises. This means showing that they knew or should have known about the hazardous condition and failed to take appropriate action.

Comparative Fault: In some cases, the injured party may be found partially at fault for the accident. Comparative fault laws may reduce the compensation awarded based on the percentage of fault assigned to the injured party.

Proof of Negligence: The plaintiff must provide evidence that the property owner’s negligence directly caused the hazardous condition and the resulting injury. This can include witness testimony, photographic evidence, and expert opinions.

Statute of Limitations: Slip and fall claims are subject to a statute of limitations, which sets a deadline for filing a lawsuit. The time frame varies by jurisdiction, so it is important to act within the legal time limits.

Examples of Slip and Fall Cases

Retail Stores: An individual slips and falls on a wet floor in a grocery store where no warning signs were posted. The store may be held liable for not addressing the hazardous condition or failing to warn customers.

Residential Properties: A tenant trips over an uneven sidewalk in an apartment complex due to poor maintenance. The property owner or management company may be liable for failing to maintain the premises in a safe condition.

public Spaces: An individual falls on a poorly lit staircase in a public building, such as a library or park. The governing body responsible for maintaining the property may be held liable for the unsafe condition.

Role of Munley Law Glossary

The Munley Law Glossary provides definitions and explanations of legal terms related to slip and fall cases. This resource helps individuals, attorneys, and others understand the nuances of premises liability and slip and fall claims.

In the legal space, “slip and fall” refers to personal injury claims arising from accidents caused by hazardous conditions on someone else’s property. These cases involve proving property owner negligence, establishing liability, and demonstrating the impact of the injury. Understanding the concept of slip and fall, as outlined in the Munley Law Glossary, is essential for navigating premises liability claims and seeking appropriate compensation for injuries sustained in such accidents.