IR35 Status Checker

Check Your IR35 Status in 8 Simple Questions

Our IR35 checker is based on HMRC's CEST (Check Employment Status for Tax) tool criteria. Answer 8 key questions about your working arrangement to get your IR35 determination with confidence score.

Based on official HMRC CEST criteria
Instant results with confidence scoring
Detailed breakdown of each factor
Expert accountancy referrals available
Free to use, no registration required

1. Control: Who decides how your work is done?

This relates to who has the right to control what you do, how you do it, when you do it, and where you do it. Consider the practical reality, not just what the contract says.

The client decides and controls most aspects of how I work Control is shared - we discuss and agree on working methods I have full control over how I complete the work

2. Substitution: Can someone else do your work?

This is about whether you can send someone else to do the work instead of you, at your own cost, without the client's consent.

No, I must personally do all the work Only with client approval and they choose the substitute I can arrange a substitute for some tasks I can send someone else to do the work at my expense

3. Mutuality of Obligation: Is there ongoing work commitment?

This considers whether the client has an obligation to offer you work, and whether you have an obligation to accept it.

There's an ongoing obligation to provide/accept work There's an expectation of future work Work is project-based with no ongoing commitment No obligation on either side beyond current contract

4. Financial Risk: Do you bear business risk?

This looks at whether you risk your own money, have to correct poor work at your own cost, or provide significant equipment/materials.

No financial risk - all costs covered by client Minimal risk - only small equipment/expenses Some risk - I provide equipment and fix errors at my cost Significant risk - major equipment, insurance, liability

5. Integration: How integrated are you with the client?

This considers whether you're integrated into the client's organization or operate as an external business.

Fully integrated - treated like a permanent employee Mostly integrated - attend meetings, use client systems Limited integration - work independently on specific tasks Completely separate - operate as external business

6. Personal Service: Must you personally do the work?

This examines whether the client specifically wants you to do the work, or if they're buying a service that could be provided by others.

My personal skills are essential - client specifically wants me Personal service preferred but others could do similar work Client is buying a service, not my personal involvement Work could be done by any qualified professional

7. Business Structure: How do you operate?

This considers whether you operate like a business, including how you're paid, marketing, and business expenses.

Paid hourly/monthly, no business marketing or multiple clients Some business activities but limited client base Clear business structure with multiple clients/projects Full business operation - marketing, multiple clients, business premises

8. Contract Terms: What do your contract terms indicate?

While the practical reality matters most, contract terms can provide supporting evidence for IR35 status.

Contract terms similar to employment contract Contract terms are unclear or contradictory Contract clearly indicates business-to-business relationship Strong B2B contract with clear commercial terms

Need Expert IR35 Advice?

Get professional IR35 review from specialist accountants. Contract reviews, HMRC enquiry support, and ongoing compliance guidance.

Get Expert IR35 Review