A freelance HR consultant on £450/day nets around £10,000 more a year working genuinely outside IR35 than inside via umbrella. Full worked comparison plus the interim-HR-specific risk factors that push status one way or the other.
Self-employed interior designers carry CAD software subscriptions, swatch libraries and showroom mileage as core costs. Full worked example on £38,000 turnover shows what a designer actually keeps after tax in 2026/27.
IT contractors on £500/day (£115,000/year) take home roughly £71,000 outside IR35 versus £67,700 inside — a £3,300 gap once employer NI and marginal relief are correctly accounted for. Full test-by-test breakdown.
Self-employed jewellery makers carry unusually high stock costs in silver and gold, plus hallmarking fees most trades never see. Full worked example on £24,000 turnover showing what's actually left after tax.
Kitchen fitters working for contractors face CIS deductions at source, while those going direct to homeowners don't. Worked example on £42,000 turnover breaks down both routes for 2026/27.
Mobile mechanics carry thousands of pounds in diagnostic kit and van stock. Full worked example on £52,000 turnover shows exactly what a self-employed mobile mechanic keeps after tax and NI in 2026/27.
Freelance podcast editors juggle monthly software subscriptions and one-off hardware purchases with very different tax treatment. Full worked example on £32,000 turnover, plus the AIA rules on mics and interfaces.
Self-employed potters and ceramicists selling via markets, galleries and online face kiln costs, clay stock and stall fees. Full worked example on £19,000 turnover shows a £190 tax and NI bill.
Miss the 5 October registration deadline after going self-employed and you could face a Failure to Notify penalty of up to 100% of the tax owed. Full timeline and worked example.
Self-employed sign writers and vehicle wrap installers juggle vinyl stock costs, cutting plotters and a van that doubles as a rolling advert. Full worked example on £52,000 turnover and what's actually deductible.
Handmade soap and cosmetics sellers face a real compliance cost most crafters underestimate: a Cosmetic Product Safety Report, often £50-£150+ per product. Full worked example on £18,000 turnover and what you actually keep.
Freelance social media managers juggle multiple retainer clients and client ad budgets that pass through their hands. Full worked example on £38,000 turnover shows exactly what counts as your income and what to keep aside for tax.
