IT contracting guides and resources

IT Contractors UK knowledge hub

Clear guidance for every stage of contracting.

Explore practical UK contractor guides covering umbrella companies, limited companies, first-time contracting, IR35, tax, legal issues, insurance, calculators and useful contractor resources.

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Available Guides

  • Umbrella company guidance
    Learn how umbrella companies, deductions, payslips and compliance checks work.

  • IR35 and tax
    Read practical guidance on IR35, tax, employment status and legal considerations.

  • Calculators and tools
    Access calculators and generators for pay, tax, dividends, CIS, VAT and more.

Explore contractor guide categories

Choose the area that best matches your current contractor question. You can filter by topic or use the search box above to find the most relevant guide section.

  • Umbrella company guides
    Understand umbrella company compliance, payslips, deductions, holiday pay and how to choose a safer provider.
    Useful for umbrella contractors

  • Limited company guides
    Learn about running a personal service company, dividends, expenses, company tax and practical director responsibilities.
    Useful for PSC contractors

  • First timer guides
    New to contracting? Start here for simple, step-by-step guidance before choosing your setup and first contract route.
    Useful for new contractors

  • IR35, tax and legal guides
    Navigate IR35, tax legislation, employment status, contract risk and key legal considerations for UK contractors.
    Useful for compliance checks

  • Calculators and generators
    Access contractor calculators and tools for take-home pay, IR35, dividends, CIS, VAT, tax, mileage and more.
    Useful for quick estimates

  • Protection and insurance guides
    Understand contractor insurance, business protection, professional indemnity and risk management basics.
    Useful for business protection

Where should you start?
The best starting point depends on your contractor setup. Use the guide categories above to move quickly to the most relevant advice.

  • New to contracting: Start with first timer guides, then compare umbrella and limited company routes.
  • Already contracting: Use the IR35, tax, limited company and umbrella guides to review your current setup.
  • Need a quick answer: Use the calculators and tools section for practical estimates, templates and admin support.

Need help choosing the right contractor route?

Use our guides to understand the basics, then speak to a specialist if you need personalised support around tax, compliance, umbrella company checks or limited company planning.

IT Contractors UK has supported the UK contractor market since 2013 with practical guides, calculators, directories and compliance-conscious resources for contractors and service providers.