Self-employment often means having to navigate lots of different websites with no clear source of truth.
As the only not-for profit focused on self-employment, IPSE provides impartial and relevant advice on the topics that matter to you. Find the self-employment support you are looking for below.
Advice sections (A-Z):
Coronavirus
Coronavirus is a real concern for all self-employed, from a lack of support from government to the real impact this has on everyday life.
Here you'll find information on:
Financial wellbeing
Managing your revenue and profits is crucial to a sustainable freelance career or self-employed business. Find out how to manage your accounts, increase your income, and make the most of your outgoings and expenses. And how to tackle missed or late payments to minimise disruption to your finances.
This section covers:
- Contracts and Statements of Work
- Tackling missed or late payments
- Saving on tools and support
- How to take dividends from a limited company
How-to become
Find practical and detailed advice on starting a self-employed business, focused on specific industries and career paths. Learn about what different freelance jobs actually involve on a daily basis, the skills or qualifications you might need, and other useful tips and resources for each role.
How to become a freelance:
How-to advice
Insurance
Make sure that you are protected with the key insurances needed by the self-employed community. Plus, IPSE members can receive a discount through our partner Markel.
Here you'll find information on:
- Professional indemnity insurance
- Public liability insurance
- Employers’ liability insurance
- Directors and officers insurance
- Legal expenses insurance
- Business equipment insurance
- Cyber insurance
IR35
Off-payroll working rules, otherwise known as IR35 or the intermediaries legislation, is a damaging taxation law from HMRC that IPSE strongly opposes. IPSE was founded to fight IR35, and we continue to support our members through the changes.
Here you'll find information on:
- A guide to IR35
- Answers to common IR35 questions
- What are my options post-IR35
- Understanding the changes to IR35 in the private sector
Managed service company
IPSE’S Managed Service Company Hub is where you will find everything you need to know about the MSC legislation and how it might affect your business. We’ve put the hub together in light of recent HMRC activity in this area.
This section covers:
- What is a managed service company
- How IPSE can support you
- Webinar: Your questions answered
- FAQ's
Mental wellbeing
We've put together a set of resources and guides to support positive mental wellbeing for the self-employed, combing our business knowledge with tips and advice from mental health and wellbeing experts.
This section covers:
- How to stop self-employed procrastination hurting your career
- How to tackle freelance burnout for the self-employed
- Taking time off
- UK Freelance Mental Health Statistics
- How to manage stress when you’re self-employed
Physical wellbeing
Running a business, or freelancing and contracting for clients, can be busy, stressful and all-consuming, but Ignoring your health and wellbeing can have serious implications for you, and your business.
This section covers:
- Freelancing and self-employment with a chronic illness
- Freelancing and self-employment with a disability
- Self-employed health issues
- Nutrition
- Working from home
- Desk exercises
Self-employed families and parents
Find advice on many aspects of freelance life as a parent.
This section covers:
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Shared parental leave for the self-employed
Self-employed tax
It's important to create good financial habits throughout the year to make any tax deadlines go that much smoother. Find out how to be tax efficient, read expert tips about Self Assessments and tax year end, and learn about the importance of digital record keeping.
This section covers:
- How to be one step ahead of your finances
- Do I need to file a Self Assessment tax return
- What expenses can I claim working from home?
- Expert tips for a successful tax year end
- Further resources
Social wellbeing
Choosing your level of sociability is a big advantage of self-employment, but if you prefer solitude, or have a more introverted character, working and socialising with other people can be exhausting. It's important to find the right balance.
This section covers:
- Coping with social anxiety when you’re self-employed
- How social media can benefit your wellbeing
- Finding coaches or mentors if you're self-employed
Stress awareness
In light of National Stress Awareness month, IPSE is highlighting key issues surrounding stress and actions the self-employed can take for a healthier work-life balance.
This section covers:
- Physical activity & wellbeing
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Guides and Advice
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Health and fitness opportunities
Ways of working
There are many ways to work as a self-employed person, from operating as a sole trader, limited company director or as part of an umbrella organisation.
This section covers:
- Choosing your company structure
- Sole trader
- How to take dividends from a limited company
- Choosing the best self-employed workplace
Winning work
Tips and advice to help you grow your business no matter what industry or sector you work in.
Here you'll find information on:
- How to find freelance clients
- How to craft your best elevator pitch
- Finding the best online job boards for freelancers
- Referrals
- Introduction to branding
If you still can't find what you're looking for?
Please contact us on 0208 897 9970 or fill out our easy contact form.
We promise to respond as soon as possible.
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