Hi Paula
What line of work are you in? I'm working as a self emplyed person over here for a UK company, not much paperwork just the annual tax return but that's pretty straight forward involved and far simpler for my employer, you can also get other contracts of course which is a benefit.
I can't really see a problem, just find an accountant get yourself registered get on with your life, where area are you going to live in and what age is your son, I'm here with my son too, we could meet up if you're nearby.
EDIT: Not that naive on the PAYE element, I did this for 18 months and no one seemed to care, then the UK gov paid all my tax back and said I had to register over here, so I did.
Panda
Contrary to what you say, I see no reason why your employer could not apply for an E101 for you. That will give a year, in which you continue to pay tax and NI in Britain, with the possibility of one renewal, before the form expires. At the end of the E101 period you and your employer can decide whether it is all so wonderful that they continue to employ you in France and cover all the charges etc, that the whole thing is a disaster and you want no more to do with France, or whether you think you can both hack it with you being self employed, either under a direct contract or through portage.
It's a route that admittedly crosses into some grey areas - and the E101 may not be granted - but is worth exploring because it gives you and your employer a chance to test the water without making an immediate commitment.
Panda wrote:Hi Paula What line of work are you in?
What line of work are you in?
Hi Panda. It's IT/admin based - one firm are a firm of commercial engineers, for whom I man the helpdesk and maintain their Lotus Notes system. The other role is systems admin (non-financial reporting systems) for corporate responsibility departments (I am employed by the consultant rather then the firms I work with).
Panda wrote:I'm working as a self employed person over here for a UK company, not much paperwork just the annual tax return but that's pretty straight forward involved and far simpler for my employer, you can also get other contracts of course which is a benefit.
I'm working as a self employed person over here for a UK company, not much paperwork just the annual tax return but that's pretty straight forward involved and far simpler for my employer, you can also get other contracts of course which is a benefit.
I hope you don't mind me asking... what classification of self-employed are you and how much of your gross income do you end up with in your pocket?
Panda wrote: I can't really see a problem, just find an accountant get yourself registered get on with your life, where area are you going to live in and what age is your son, I'm here with my son too, we could meet up if you're nearby.
I will be living on the Normandy Coast - if you are near, that would be great. My son is 10 - and absolutely bricking it :)
Panda wrote: EDIT: Not that naive on the PAYE element, I did this for 18 months and no one seemed to care, then the UK gov paid all my tax back and said I had to register over here, so I did.
Really? How were you covered health wise? Did you worry about your son needing emergency medical treatment? That's my main concern. Plus I am an asthmatic and I have a repeat prescription for ventolin - but it's probably less hassle to buy that in the pharmacy.
Will wrote:Contrary to what you say, I see no reason why your employer could not apply for an E101 for you. That will give a year, in which you continue to pay tax and NI in Britain, with the possibility of one renewal, before the form expires. At the end of the E101 period you and your employer can decide whether it is all so wonderful that they continue to employ you in France and cover all the charges etc, that the whole thing is a disaster and you want no more to do with France, or whether you think you can both hack it with you being self employed, either under a direct contract or through portage. It's a route that admittedly crosses into some grey areas - and the E101 may not be granted - but is worth exploring because it gives you and your employer a chance to test the water without making an immediate commitment.
Hello
I'm in IT too and registed as a profession liberale as a general consultant, my accountant basically went for as many different aspects of this as possible to cover all eventualities. When I was on PAYE I had an E106 so no problem there with health, as you are working now you could apply for one of these or do as Will says and go for an E101 if you can get one, either one will allow you to register whilst you sort out your business. I earn about the same as I would in the UK and pay about 25% of my gross income in charges and tax, I have no acutal overheads to speak of but if you did then this would bring this figure down of course.
Sadly I'm in the Charente, you should advertise for friends (how sad does that sound but you know what I mean) on the other more 'adverty' forums, AngloInfo etc. there will be others in your area in the same boat.
Good luck with it!
Paula,
Will is as wise as ever, but the E101 may not be a goer so you need a plan B.
Have you spoken to anybody at your employer about your dreams/plans? Something that many permanent employees are unaware of is how much it costs a company to employ them, over and above their salary. For example, they must pay 11% employer's National Insurance contribution, so if you go freelance they save that straight away. Many firms allow 50% on top of salary for such costs so paying you 40% more could represent a saving.
On the other hand they may not even consider the idea of using you as a freelance at any price, so you need to establish where you stand before putting in too much effort.
You've presumably considered all the risks of freelancing, including being at the front of the queue if they need to lay people off. That said, I've been an IT freelance for 10 years, although with a succession of clients. Have a look at Jobserve.com just to see what else is out there.
Albert the InfoGipsy wrote: Paula, Will is as wise as ever, but the E101 may not be a goer so you need a plan B. Have you spoken to anybody at your employer about your dreams/plans? Something that many permanent employees are unaware of is how much it costs a company to employ them, over and above their salary. For example, they must pay 11% employer's National Insurance contribution, so if you go freelance they save that straight away. Many firms allow 50% on top of salary for such costs so paying you 40% more could represent a saving.
I'm with Albert on this as I am very aware that I am cheap to my employer, they have a huge benefits package so they save massively having me as freelance as opposed to my previously great package. I also do the same work in half the hours these days, not sure how that happened (could be the dreadful weather keeoing me at my keyboard for hours), something to be aware of. I still get paid a lot more than any job I have ever seen worth applying for over here so everyone wins really!
Panda wrote:Hello I'm in IT too and registed as a profession liberale as a general consultant, my accountant basically went for as many different aspects of this as possible to cover all eventualities. When I was on PAYE I had an E106 so no problem there with health, as you are working now you could apply for one of these or do as Will says and go for an E101 if you can get one, either one will allow you to register whilst you sort out your business. I earn about the same as I would in the UK and pay about 25% of my gross income in charges and tax, I have no acutal overheads to speak of but if you did then this would bring this figure down of course. Sadly I'm in the Charente, you should advertise for friends (how sad does that sound but you know what I mean) on the other more 'adverty' forums, AngloInfo etc. there will be others in your area in the same boat. Good luck with it! Panda
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