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Becoming a sole trader/Freelancer.

  • 18-09-2011 6:25pm
    #1
    Site Banned Posts: 1,678
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    So I got a job thank god, been out of work since end of April. The job though will only last until the end of October. My main problem though, is they want me to come on as a Freelancer, or sole trader (no idea if there is a difference there). Basically when I wanted to give them my PPS number and bank details, but they wouldn't take them and asked me to invoice them at the end of the month. I assume that they want me to come on as a freelancer then, though none of this was divulged to me during the interview.

    So, I've never gone about this. Who do I contact and what do I set myself up as? I want to get this sorted ASAP so I don't get in trouble or anything over tax related stuff. :pac:

    Am I entitled to any benefits if I declare myself a freelancer? Can I get a medical card? Tax write-off's on related purchases? I am working in-house in a company, so I assume I can't claim my rent back under a tax write off, yes?
    Any help would be appreciated.


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Comments

  • Closed Accounts Posts: 5,451 Delancey
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    Andy!! wrote: »
    So I got a job thank god, been out of work since end of April. The job though will only last until the end of October. My main problem though, is they want me to come on as a Freelancer, or sole trader (no idea if there is a difference there). Basically when I wanted to give them my PPS number and bank details, but they wouldn't take them and asked me to invoice them at the end of the month. I assume that they want me to come on as a freelancer then, though none of this was divulged to me during the interview.

    So, I've never gone about this. Who do I contact and what do I set myself up as? I want to get this sorted ASAP so I don't get in trouble or anything over tax related stuff. :pac:

    Am I entitled to any benefits if I declare myself a freelancer? Can I get a medical card? Tax write-off's on related purchases? I am working in-house in a company, so I assume I can't claim my rent back under a tax write off, yes?
    Any help would be appreciated.

    Be very careful how you proceed - the fact that your status was not explained at interview is a very bad sign , it shows ' bad faith ' on their part , this lack of openness would have me wondering what else they have lied about ?
    If you invoice them you are NOT an employee but rather a supplier and thus you lose any sort of employment protection against dismissal etc , it also means that if they go out of business you are just another unsecured creditor with zero chance of being paid.

    Regarding benefits like Medical Card they would be subject to a means test and perhaps better discussed in the State Benefits forum.

    Can you give some idea of the company's business and what your job would entail ? It sounds ' iffy ' TBH.


  • Site Banned Posts: 1,678 Andy!!
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    They seem like a legit operation, they make ads etc., and have worked for some big clients, and I am onboard as an artist. I think they are unwilling to put me on to their system because it's such a short contract, no?


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 5,451 Delancey
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    Best thing to do might be to ask around colleagues if they know this operation .
    I have seen several threads on Boards from people doing work like design who are having huge problems getting paid.

    Again , the fact they were not upfront about your status is worrying.


  • Site Banned Posts: 1,678 Andy!!
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    And I haven't been offered a contract of any sort either...


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 519 harry21
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    Be careful.

    If you become self employed you status withth erevenue and social welfare changes.

    Unemployed self employed get no social welfare payements. If you are on SW ask them how you should proceed.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 72 MrPicante
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    Sounds a little fishy to me. I would suggest clarifying your work status before commencing - sorry i know it's not easy to get a job out there but you don't want to get caught out either. As a freelancer you have no job security and no rights. Too much of this kind of thing happening lately - job bridge is another issue


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,537 thecommander
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    Freelancing as a designer is nothing new, it's fairly common. Did the job ad say it was a full time position?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 26,292 Mrs OBumble
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    Are you going to be working regular hours, in the employers premises, doing what they tell you, with their materials? If so, revenue might just regard you as an employee.

    Even though freelance is common for designers, the lack of honesty is a worry.

    You need to do some reading of Revenue's website re being a sole trader.

    Also, be aware that you will not be eligible for job-seekers benefit after the contract ends (because you have not lost full time employment). You may be eligible for job-seekers allowance, but this is means tested and can take months to come through.

    Another option is to go through an an umbrella company: they can treat you as their employee, and pay you the invoiced amount less employer PRSI and other taxes. They can also help make you you get things like VAT right.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,537 thecommander
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    JustMary wrote: »
    Are you going to be working regular hours, in the employers premises, doing what they tell you, with their materials? If so, revenue might just regard you as an employee.

    A month long contract does not make you an employee.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 72 MrPicante
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    Revenue.ie is your best best - make sure you are covered


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  • Site Banned Posts: 1,678 Andy!!
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    Thanks for all the replies guys, sorry I didn't reply, kinda forgot about this thread :D

    So they turned out to be legit, they even went as far as having me invoice them early so I would get paid by the end of last month, which helped a lot.

    But now I want to declare that money, so I don't get in trouble with the Revenue. Apparently, I have to fill out a form before October 21st, is this the case? Do I declare just the money I have actually been given up until that date? Cause I am expecting a full months paycheck very shortly after that. I also heard from a fellow freelancer that I won't have to pay anything if I earn less than a certain amount during this employment, is that correct? I also heard I can claim back travel expenses, is this also correct?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,537 thecommander
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    Andy!! wrote: »
    Thanks for all the replies guys, sorry I didn't reply, kinda forgot about this thread :D

    So they turned out to be legit, they even went as far as having me invoice them early so I would get paid by the end of last month, which helped a lot.

    But now I want to declare that money, so I don't get in trouble with the Revenue. Apparently, I have to fill out a form before October 21st, is this the case? Do I declare just the money I have actually been given up until that date? Cause I am expecting a full months paycheck very shortly after that. I also heard from a fellow freelancer that I won't have to pay anything if I earn less than a certain amount during this employment, is that correct? I also heard I can claim back travel expenses, is this also correct?

    The October 31st deadline is for accounts Jan 2010 - December 2010. You'd declare this money by October 31st 2012.


  • Site Banned Posts: 1,678 Andy!!
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    Oh its only done one every two years? Does that apply to all freelancers? That's interesting. Thanks, I'll look more into that then.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 29,095 looksee
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    No, you declare a year in arrears


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