*UPDATE: reforms to the off-payroll working rules have been delayed by one year* 

The Government published a consultation into the detailed operation of the reform. Existing rules will continue to apply for public sector organisations (which does include some charities). The consultation asked for views and information on a number subjects, including:

• the scope of the reform and impact on non-corporate engagers
• information requirements for engagers, fee-payers and personal service companies
• addressing status determination disagreements

Small companies will be exempt which will mean a large number of charities will be excluded. The Companies Act definition will be used – to be small a company must meet two of the following conditions

• annual turnover must be not more than £10.2 million
• the balance sheet total must be not more than £5.1 million
• the average number of employees must be not more than 50.

CTG responded to the consultation in May 2019. HMRC has now published a summary of responses document confirming that the new rules will be implemented in April 2020 as planned. CTG has followed-up representations to HMRC about the definition of turnover and whether it should include donation and grant income or not, as this is not directly addressed in the response.

HMRC has also published an ‘Off-payroll working rules from April 2020’ factsheet, a policy paper, draft legislation and an explanatory note.

From April 2020, the Government will reform the off-payroll working rules by moving the responsibility for operating the rules – and deducting any tax and NICs due – to the organisation, agency or other third party paying an individual’s personal service company. The change will only apply to large and medium-sized organisations and will bring these organisations in line with public sector bodies and agencies who are already responsible for determining whether the off-payroll rules apply to engagements.