IR35 Status Indicator
Eight questions covering HMRC's three primary tests — control, substitution, and mutuality of obligation — plus secondary indicators. Indicative result in under two minutes.
This is a first-pass screening tool. For a contract-specific written opinion, see our IR35 review service (£295, 48-hour turnaround).
Do you decide HOW the work is done — including your own methods, working hours, and approach?
Hint: If the client dictates your hours, methods, or working style, this points toward employment (inside IR35).
Does your contract give you a genuine right to send a qualified substitute in your place, and could you realistically exercise that right?
Hint: A theoretical right that would be rejected in practice carries little weight with HMRC. The key word is "genuine".
When the contracted work is complete, are you free to decline further work from this client without penalty?
Hint: If the client expects you to accept further work and you feel obligated to do so, this points toward employment.
Do you use your own equipment (laptop, software, tools) to carry out the work rather than the client's?
Hint: Using the client's equipment and facilities suggests integration into their organisation.
Could you suffer a financial loss on this contract — for example, if work needs to be redone at your expense?
Hint: Employees do not bear financial risk. A genuine contractor can lose money on a job.
Do you work predominantly for other clients alongside this engagement, or could you if you chose to?
Hint: Working exclusively for one client long-term is a strong indicator of employment.
Are you treated distinctly from permanent employees — not in team meetings, not on their email system, not invited to staff events?
Hint: Being "part and parcel" of the client's organisation is a key indicator of inside IR35 status.
Are you paid based on deliverables or milestones rather than a fixed time-based rate (e.g. daily or hourly rate with no output requirement)?
Hint: Hourly or daily rate contracts with no defined output requirement look more like employment than service contracts.
Ready for your indicative result?
Answer all 8 questions to see your result. 8 to go.