Limited company or self employed.

Hoverbloke

Few areas also to consider

pay yourself weekly ,3weeks below the NI threshold 1 week above , that way you pay 1/4 of the NI you would otherwise pay. You reason it on basis that you need weekly amounts for basic living needs .NI inspectors read their books scratch their heads and say we dont know how to deal with this .

Flat rate vat registration . you can make on it

Live off your expences which of course you incur in the course of your buisness activity.So you need clothes and a haircut for work dont you. hotel trips and travel to drum up new buisness.

I wouldnt ever say you should claim anything thats not correct.But your accountant is your servant and will essencially take your instructions and act on your behalf.

Slinky

Do you only wear your hair at work then? My accountant would take a dim view of me attempting to put through a haircut as part of my expenses. Business expenses are 'wholly and exclusively' incurred for the business.

However I do agree the flat rate scheme can be beneficial if your costs are zero or low rated for VAT.

Elaine_Wilson

If you are a company director that national insurance trick wont work. Directors have to do a check at the end of the year on a cumulative basis and pay any extra NI then.

But why not pitch the salary between the Lower Earnings Limit and the Primary Threshold? Then NI is payable at 0% but the year will count as a contribution year towards the basic state pension. In fact, you will also gain from the second pension which is treated as though you were paying contributions on a salary of about £10,000.