Accountants for Contractors & Freelancers

Contractors & freelancers · Inside or outside IR35

Contracting with clarity, not crossed fingers.

IR35 changed contracting and we changed with it. Whether you’re inside, outside, or somewhere in the middle, we’ll set up the right structure, file everything cleanly, and keep your take-home as high as it legitimately can be.

From £110/moFixed fee
Same-daySDS reviews
IR35 adviceFull company service
Director payrollincluded

Built for the way contractors actually work

Most contractors don’t need a generic small-business accountant. You need someone who understands SDS reviews, off-payroll rules, expenses inside IR35, and the practical reality of moving between contracts.

We work with contractors on day rates from 200 pounds to 2000+ pounds, across IT, engineering, healthcare, marketing and the public sector. We’ll review your SDSs, advise on contract terms before you sign, run your limited company end to end, and tell you straight if going umbrella would actually be better for a particular role.

In your fixed fee

What’s included

  • Limited company formation if needed
  • Year-end accounts and CT600
  • Director self-assessment
  • Optimum salary/dividend split each year
  • Quarterly VAT (if registered)
  • Cloud bookkeeping in Xero
  • IR35 status determination support
  • Contract term review before signing
  • Expense and mileage tracking
  • Mortgage reference letters when you need them
Why Mercian

Why clients stay

A genuinely modern approach

Cloud accounting, MTD-ready workflows and secure document portals — no shoeboxes of receipts, no surprise emails in March.

Fixed fees, no clock-watching

A clear monthly price agreed up front. Call us as often as you need without worrying about a meter running.

Senior advice, not call-centre answers

Every client has a named accountant who knows your business — not a ticket queue.

FAQ

Common questions

Inside IR35, should I close my limited company?
Not necessarily. Many contractors keep the company open for outside-IR35 work or expense reimbursement. We will model both routes for your situation.
Can I claim travel and subsistence?
Outside IR35: subject to the 24-month rule and your normal workplace test. Inside IR35: very limited. We will keep you on the right side of HMRC.
What about the IR35 reform / off-payroll rules?
For medium and large clients, the engager makes the IR35 decision (the SDS). We will review every SDS you receive.
Do you offer a tax investigation insurance?
Yes, our Tax Enquiry Service covers our professional fees if HMRC opens an enquiry into you or your company.
I just got my first contract, where do I start?
Book the free call. We will set up your company, get you on Xero, register for the right taxes, and have you invoicing within a week.

Ready to talk to a real accountant?

Book a free 30-minute call. We’ll tell you straight whether we can help, what it would cost, and what to do next. No sales pitch, no obligation.