Using the Orange & Gold Umbrella Company
Orange & Gold are leading contractor accountants, but sometimes a PAYE umbrella service is the most appropriate match to the contractor's need.
We’ve worked with contractors for over 15 years so we know what freelance contractors are looking for and we know how to do this quickly and efficiently. We know the pitfalls for first timers and we are constantly updating our knowledge with the complex tax legislation changes. On this page, we will take you through how the umbrella service works and why this is the best umbrella choice for freelancers.
Ten quick questions about Orange & Gold Umbrella
Q
How much do you charge? And are there any extra charges?
A
Orange and Gold charge as low as £25 per week. There are no extra charges for the umbrella service.
Q
Can I claim business expenses? Do I need receipts?
A
Not if you travel to the same location everyday - to avoid potential problems with HMRC regarding expenses.
Q
Are insurances included in the price (public liability/employers liability)? What are they and for how much?
A
Yes, £10m public liability, £5m employers’ liability and £2m professional indemnity.
Q
How quickly will I be paid after sending over my timesheet?
A
We process every working day within 24 hours of receiving remittance from agency.
Q
Will I have my own account manager?
A
Yes. We are small, professional team and your own account manager will get to know and understand you.
Q.
Is there a formal complaints procedure?
A
Yes, all complaints are escalated to MD because there are so few of them.
Q
What are the opening hours?
A
8.30 - 5.30 Monday to Friday plus your own online portal 24/7.
Q
Can I leave Orange & Gold at any time without having to pay a penalty?
Q
What happens to my account when my contract ends?
A
Your P45 is produced and you simply leave – no penalties. Clients often return when they have a new contract.
Q
What do you do about sick pay and holiday pay?
A
Holiday pay is rolled up into salary so you get it asap. Statutory rules apply to sickness entitlement.
Getting started
Umbrella contract
Once you have decided that chosen your contractor umbrella, inform your agency or direct client that you are using Orange & Gold, so that they can prepare their contract with the umbrella company’s name as "contractor".
Umbrella Contract Preparation and Signing
The umbrella contract is sent directly to your contractor umbrella company by your agent. This is signed by Orange & Gold once we have confirmed with the contractor that the terms are acceptable.
Personal and Bank Details
As part of the signup process, we will take your bank or building society details in order to pay you.
Tax Details P45
Send us your form P45 from your last employer. If you do not have a form P45 we can issue you a form P46, which enables you to obtain a tax code to operate on the salary paid.
The Umbrella Contract
We will ask you to sign our standard employment contract. This contract specifies the terms and conditions of the umbrella company employment under which you agree to work and be paid.
Up and running with your umbrella company
Your contractor umbrella company is your employer. Once all contracts have been signed, you can start submitting timesheets.
Timesheets and invoices
Approved timesheets are processed by your umbrella company and invoices raised on your behalf. Once funds are received, then payment will be made to you.
Payment to contractors
Pay frequency varies depending on your agency or client. Once payment has been made you may receive a text message confirming payment and a payslip which details the tax and national insurance contributions.
Contractor allowable expenses
Expenses that are chargeable to your agency or client will be refunded to you in full. Those non-chargeable will be processed as a ‘tax benefit’. Any claim must be allowable by the Inland Revenue and must be a cost borne by you personally.