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3rd April 2009: Gabem have an expense dispensation!
As you may have noticed on the front page we now have an expense dispensation! That it has been granted now in a period when HMRC is tightening its stance on issuing dispensations is exceptional.
Whilst there is no such thing as "HMRC approval" it does demonstrate that HMRC have faith that our expense procedures are compliant and stringent; enough that we are trusted to do some of their legwork for them.
I would hope that this is a good sign for the umbrella company industry as a whole, and not just for us. HMRC has made it clear that they are unhappy with the lack of compliance in the industry and are determined to stamp it out. However, by granting this dispensation HMRC is showing that when a company does the right thing it will be recognised.
Hopefully by recognising compliant businesses HMRC are taking a significant step towards accepting the industry as a legitimate part of the contracting industry, vital in preserving the flexible nature of freelancing at a time when that flexibility is desperately needed.
Hugo
03/04/2009
