IR35 Calculator

Check your IR35 status for free

Do you provide your services through a limited company? If the answer is yes, HMRC needs to be convinced you’re not using your limited company to disguise a relationship with your client, which would otherwise be that of employer and employee.

Don’t be alarmed if you’re confused - we’re here to demystify this complicated legislation. Our simple IR35 calculator lets you quickly assess your risk of being caught out by the legislation and advises on the best next steps. We’ve got a free IR35 status check tool for contractors as well as tools for recruiters and employers.

IR35 expertise for recruitment agencies or employers

Unsure about IR35? Our “What is IR35?” hub is the place to head for all things IR35 - we have a video and articles explaining everything you need to know about IR35. We also have an IR35 service for those looking for our expert guidance.

We’ve also produced a jargon-free IR35 guide that gives you more information on IR35 and what to look out for.If you want total peace of mind, we can perform an IR35 contract review for you - contact your client managers for more information or speak to one of our advisors if you’re not a Crunch client.

team photo off all crunch team

Software & service in one

We actively support your business by managing deadlines, advising on tax relief, assisting with registrations, and liaising with HMRC. Our commitment extends beyond tasks, focusing on delivering quality work and proactive accounting advice tailored to your needs.

Frequently asked questions

Explore our FAQs for quick answers to your questions

Are there any disadvantages of online accounting software?

None whatsoever! Online accounting software allows you to manage your finances on the go, anytime, anywhere, safe in the knowledge that your data is secure. You can automate certain processes to cut down on your admin, connect your bank account straight to your software for swifter reconciliation, and stay compliant with the government’s Making Tax Digital scheme.

How do I use online accounting software?

When it comes to online accounting software, the golden rule is that you get out what you put in. Online software can help you stay organised and file your tax returns earlier and more accurately than ever, but if you don’t update it frequently, you’re setting yourself up for a fall.Once you’ve signed up to a Crunch account, the best working practice is to carve out time every day or week, depending on your schedule, to update your account with all of your latest expenses and records. The better your record-keeping, the greater the benefits of online accounting software!

How does online accounting software work?

It’s simpler than you might think! Once you’ve signed up to one of Crunch’s software packages, you’ll be able to log into your account. From there, you can set up your company’s basic information, recurring invoices and expenses, connect your business bank account through a secure Open Banking feed, and much, much more. If you ever need any assistance with your accounting software, you can visit our handy Help Centre for all the guides and support you need, or if you’re on a paid package (such as Pro or Premium), you can call or email your team of Chartered Certified Accountants for help.

How many businesses use online accounting software in the UK?

It’s hard to know for sure how many businesses in the UK are using online accounting software, but here’s what we do know: here at Crunch, we have an active client base of over 10,000 small business owners on our paid Crunch packages, and thousands more on our forever-free Crunch Free package.As we’ve mentioned, though, every business will need to use online accounting software as more tax returns become subject to MTD regulations.

How many types of accounting software are there?

If you’re a small business owner, or the director of your own limited company, we would recommend either our Limited Company Pro, Limited Company Premium, or Small Business packages. Which of these packages is right for your business will depend on factors such as your annual turnover, how many employees you have etc. In this instance, we’d recommend giving our friendly advisors a call, who will be happy to help you decide which package is right for you.

How much does online accounting software cost?

At Crunch, it can start from the low-low price of absolutely nothing! Crunch Free is exactly what it sounds like - completely free! If you need more bespoke support and access to our team of expert client managers, our paid packages start from just £24.50+VAT a month for sole traders, and £79.50+VAT a month for limited companies.

How safe is online accounting software?

As safe as houses! Information you store on your computer in files and spreadsheets can be attacked by viruses or lost due to technical failures, or even simple mismanagement and disorganisation - and lets not even go into all the things that could go wrong if you still keep your receipts in a ratty old shoebox. We use encrypted connections to reliably and securely store your data within our cloud accounting software, which not only gives you the peace of mind that your data is safe at all times, but also allows you to create reliable backups.

What factors should I consider when purchasing online accounting software?

It’s true that not all online accounting software is created equally. Many of our competitors will lock fundamentally important parts of their software behind paywalls, or restrict your usage (i.e. limiting you to a certain number of expenses per day/month etc.).When considering which online accounting software package you’d like to use, you need to be sure that everything you need is covered in your package. With Crunch Free, for instance, you get all of the basics, fundamental necessities of good online accounting software, such as expenses, invoices, and Open Banking. If you’re ever in doubt as to which package is right for you, don’t hesitate to call our wonderful advisors, who’ll be happy to help you better understand which of our packages meets your needs.

What is Cloud accounting software and does it differ from online accounting software?

Cloud accounting software and online accounting are, basically, one and the same. When you’re talking about online accounting software, you’re talking about the software itself and the actions you can perform within it (i.e. recording your expenses, sending invoices etc.). When you’re talking cloud accounting software, you’re referring to data storage and backups.At Crunch, our online accounting software is also cloud accounting software, so with us, you don’t have to worry!

What is online accounting software?

Online accounting software allows small business owners, sole traders, and limited company directors to manage their business finances in a secure and organised online system. Through online accounting software, you can track and automate your invoices and expenses, check your finances anytime, anywhere, and even file your tax returns

What is the best online accounting software for a small business?

At Crunch, we offer five different types of online accounting software packages: Crunch Free, Sole Trader Pro, Limited Company Pro, Limited Company Premium, and Small Business. Each of these packages are designed to support businesses as they grow and take on new responsibilities, each tailored to maximise the tax-efficiency of your business at each stage of its development

What is the best online accounting software for personal use?

If you’ve not yet officially gone self-employed, or if you’re comfortable using accounting software and managing your own finances, Crunch Free is the perfect package for you. As the name suggests, the software is completely free, allowing you to record all of your invoices, expenses, and more!

What is the best online accounting software for working from home?

Well that depends! All of our packages come with our market-leading online software, so in this instance, it would all boil down to whether you’re a limited company or a sole trader, and how big your operation is.In this instance, we’d recommend giving our friendly expert advisors a call and discussing your circumstances further. They’ll help you decide which package is the most appropriate for your business.

What’s the best online accounting software for a sole trader?

As a sole trader, we would recommend our Crunch Sole Trader Pro package. For just £24.50+VAT a month, you get access to not only our market-leading online accounting software, but also to your own team of expert client managers and Chartered Certified Accountants, available whenever you need.

Why should I use online accounting software?

Online accounting software can dramatically improve your organisation and simplify your tax responsibilities. Through handy add-ons like our Snap app, for example, you can streamline the process even further by simply taking a picture of your receipts and uploading them directly to your account. Thanks to the government’s Making Tax Digital (MTD) scheme, you’re also legally required to file certain tax returns via online accounting software. This currently applies to returns such as VAT, but will soon extend to Income Tax, Corporation Tax, and potentially more.

Still have questions?

Take control of your accounts, today

Crunch’s effective software package includes being able to talk to an expert client manager and a Chartered Certified Accountant. You can count on Crunch to make you productive and profitable.