W-8BEN vs W-9: Which Form Do You Need (and Why US Clients Ask for It)?

W-8BEN vs W-9

If you’re a UK freelancer, contractor, agency, or a non-US company working with US clients, you’ll eventually hear: “Please send your W-9” or “We need a W-8BEN.” This can be confusing, especially if you’re not based in the US. Here’s the clean rule: W-9 is usually for US persons (US citizens, permanent residents/green card holders, … Read more

Holiday Pay for Irregular Hours & Part-Year Workers (UK): Accrual, 52-Week Average & Rolled-Up Holiday Pay

rolled-up holiday pay

Holiday pay becomes tricky when someone doesn’t work the same hours every week, works only part of the year, or has variable pay. To make this easier (and more consistent), UK guidance now supports a clearer approach for irregular-hours and part-year workers: holiday entitlement accrues as a percentage of hours worked, and employers may choose … Read more

Right to Work Check in the UK (Employer Guide): Share Codes, Manual Checks, Follow-Ups & Common Mistakes

right to work check

Hiring in the UK comes with a non-negotiable compliance step: right to work checks. Done correctly, a right to work check gives an employer a statutory excuse (legal defence) against a civil penalty if an employee is later found to be working illegally. Done incorrectly (or inconsistently), it can expose the business to serious risk … Read more

UK Sponsor Licence: Step-by-Step Application Checklist (Documents + Timeline + Common Refusals)

Sponsor Licence

If your business wants to hire non-UK resident talent on routes like Skilled Worker (and other Worker/Temporary Worker routes), you usually need a UK Sponsor Licence first. The Home Office expects you to prove you’re a genuine UK operation (or have the right “UK footprint” for certain routes) and that you can meet ongoing sponsorship … Read more

Employer of Record (EOR) in the UK: Hire Without Setting Up a UK Entity (Complete Guide)

Employer of Record

If you want to hire in the UK but don’t want the cost, time, and admin of setting up a UK company, a UK Employer of Record (EOR) is often the fastest, lowest-friction route. With an EOR, you can onboard UK talent quickly while the EOR handles payroll, contracts, and employment compliance—without you incorporating a … Read more

How to Choose a Payroll Service

Managing payroll is one of the most important tasks for any business no matter how big or small. Employees expect to be paid on time and accurately and any mistakes can lead to unhappy staff, penalties or even legal trouble. For many businesses using a payroll service is the best way to handle this responsibility. … Read more

How Much Do Small Businesses Pay in Taxes?

Understanding how much small businesses pay in taxes is important for anyone planning to start or already running a business. Taxes are one of the largest expenses small business owners faces and knowing what to expect can help with financial planning and avoiding unexpected costs. The amount a small business pays depends on various factors … Read more

What Does a Bookkeeper Do and Do I Need One?

When you run a business whether it’s big or small business keeping track of money is one of the most important things you need to do. From managing expenses to tracking income, it’s all part of making sure your business stays healthy. Unless you have a passion for numbers or a background in finance it … Read more

How The SECURE Act Can Benefit Small Business Owners

Retirement planning might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you’re running a small business. You’re likely focused on keeping customers happy, managing your team and balancing your budget. But offering a good retirement plan can be one of the smartest moves you make for both your employees and your business. Fortunately, … Read more

Top 10 Employee Benefits UK Employers Should Know

In today’s competitive job market, attracting and retaining great employees goes far beyond offering a good salary. Workers are looking for meaningful employee benefits that support their lifestyles, well-being, and long-term goals. For UK employers, offering the right perks can improve job satisfaction, boost productivity, and reduce staff turnover. This article explores the top 10 … Read more

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