Provision for Employers’ National Insurance on Consultancy Fees
During the period, the company undertook a review of its historical payments to consultants and identified that certain consultancy arrangements over the past three financial years should have been treated as employment relationships for tax purposes. As a result, the company has re-assessed its liabilities and concluded that Employers' National Insurance contributions should have been accounted for and paid via PAYE rather than treated as gross payments.
A provision has therefore been recognised for the estimated Employers’ National Insurance liability of £66,388. This includes £12,113 in respect of interest accrued on the outstanding liabilities. The total amount of £66,388 has been recognised as an exceptional item in the profit and loss account for the period.
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) have been notified of this matter, and the company is cooperating fully to ensure full compliance going forward.