Listed below are some frequently asked questions about the services we provide. If you have any further queries, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team of advisers.

 

Are there any set-up fees involved?

No, we don’t charge any set-up or joining fees. All you pay is the £25 flat fee that we charge for every payment you receive (or £15 if payment is less than £200 per week)

 

Are there any hidden costs on top of the £25 fee per payment?

No. The £25 includes all of our charges and processing fees. So, unlike the advertised fees of some umbrella companies, our £25 fee is straightforward and all inclusive.

 

How will I get paid and when?

You will be paid by BACS directly into the bank account that you specify to us and at the intervals you specify e.g. weekly or monthly.

 

How often will I receive a payslip?

Weekly or monthly, depending on how you have arranged for your salary to be paid.

 

What happens after my hours/days worked have been submitted to Kingston UK?

We generate an invoice, which is emailed and posted via Royal Mail to the client for whom you are working.

 

Once the invoice has been paid by your employer and the funds have cleared with Kingston UK, we will send money to your account. All contractors are paid via BACS transfer into the account of your choice. This may still take 2-3 working days to clear in your account, depending on your bank, although many banks now offer free fast-track banking services, so funds may be in your account sooner.

 

Will I have to do a tax self-assessment or tax return?

No, not usually. As a contractor under our umbrella, you are not required to fill out a tax self-assessment or complete a tax return on work carried out through us.

 

What counts as a ‘legitimate’ business expense?

This is any cost incurred solely in the performance of your duties as a contractor, such as food, travel, hardware, stationery, software, training courses, professional memberships and accommodation.

 

Do I need to supply receipts to claim expenses against tax?

For food and lunch expenses, receipts are not required for up to £10 per day.

 

Receipts are not required when claiming business mileage either.

 

They are, however, required in order to claim for any other business expenses e.g. rail and bus tickets and accommodation.

 

Please speak to one of our advisers to find out more about claiming back expenses against tax, or click here to read about our benefits.

 

Why do you take a ‘retainer’ from my salary?

We are required to take a retainer because, as your employer, we are obliged to give you holiday pay. But this wouldn’t be covered by our low, all-inclusive £25 fee. Please click here to read about our retainer and holiday entitlement. 

 

Do you have a referral scheme?

Yes, if you refer a new contractor/freelancer to us and they stay with us for six weeks with no gap, you will receive £50 worth of vouchers from a choice of retailers. Contact a member of the team for details.

 

Am I at risk of IR35?

No. As a contractor, there are no risks associated with your employment status or your income once you join our umbrella service at Kingston UK. Click here for more on complying with IR35 legislation.

 

What if I change contracts or start working for a new client? How will this affect my relationship with Kingston UK?

If you change your job, this does not affect the service we provide for you. All we will need to know is where you are working and establish a contact there, so that we receive by fax or email the hours/days you have worked.

 

What if, once I join Kingston UK, I find myself between contracts? Do I still have to pay my fee?

No, we will put your account with us on hold until you start work with us again and require payments from your client. If you decide to leave us, we will issue you with a P45.

 

Can Kingston UK find work for me?

No, we only provide an employment benefits service for our clients and are not a recruitment agency.

 

Do you supply references?

Yes, we can supply references for mortgage, bank account applications, rental agreements and any other financial references you may require. We do not charge any fee for this service.

 

What if I want to leave Kingston UK?

If you decide to leave Kingston UK, we will not charge you a termination fee. 

We will ensure that when your final payment is processed through us, it is inclusive of any outstanding retainer funds you may have with us. You will not pay tax on the retainer funds that we return to you.

 

Your P45 will come with your final payslip – you will not need to wait.

 

Any other questions? Click here to contact our team of advisers.

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