7 ways to manage the administrative burden of IR35 

Managing IR35 compliance is no small task. Since the off-payroll working rules were extended to the private sector, businesses have had to take on significant administrative responsibility; from status determinations and documentation, to training and compliance monitoring. The process is complex, time-consuming, and, if mishandled, can leave organisations open to financial penalties and reputational risk. 

Here are the seven main ways you can reduce the IR35 administration load, and how Linx can support you every step of the way. 

Implement a centralised IR35 process 

One of the biggest challenges businesses face is inconsistency. When different departments or hiring managers approach IR35 status determination assessments in different ways, mistakes are inevitable, whilst also increasing the likelihood of disagreement challenges. A centralised IR35 process ensures everyone follows the same procedure – using standard tools, templates, and documentation methods. 

How Linx helps: We can design, implement and operate your central IR35 process, ensuring robust governance and a consistent compliance approach across your organisation. For companies with multiple divisions or business units, the need to have a central process is even more crucial. 

Appoint IR35 governance 

IR35 compliance is not something that can be tackled ad hoc, it requires dedicated oversight. Appointing an IR35 lead or small governance team ensures the business has clear accountability for policy, process management, and issue resolution. Those colleagues making Status Determination Statement assessments will also have a clear point of escalation if they need further support. 

How Linx helps: If you don’t have the resource in-house, Linx can act as your outsourced IR35 governance partner – managing compliance on your behalf, monitoring updates, and ensuring best practice is upheld. 

Train hiring managers and internal teams 

Many of the risks around IR35 arise from misunderstandings or lack of awareness — especially among hiring managers. Without proper training, they may inadvertently create contracts or working conditions that contradict a status determination. Where their knowledge of IR35 is not up to speed, companies also carry the risk that in and out of scope IR35 determinations may not be accurate. 

How Linx helps: We deliver tailored IR35 training for hiring teams, procurement, HR, and talent acquisition stakeholders – helping them understand their responsibilities and reduce risk through everyday actions. 

Regularly review and refresh determinations 

IR35 isn’t a one-off box-ticking exercise. Contractors’ roles, responsibilities, and working practices often change over time. If determinations aren’t periodically reviewed and updated, businesses risk non-compliance – even with well-intentioned processes in place. 

How Linx helps: We maintain regular touchpoints to review and refresh status determinations, keeping your compliance up to date and removing the burden of constant monitoring from your internal teams. 

Maintain well-documented audit trails 

HMRC expects businesses to provide clear, accurate records of their IR35 assessments and decisions to demonstrate they have taken reasonable care. That means securely storing contracts, status determinations, communication trails, and the rationale behind each decision. Add in a recruitment supply chain who engage the PSC contingent workers on your behalf, and the task becomes even more complex. 

How Linx helps: Linx work with organisations to devise supply chain compliance audits, to ensure status determinations have been accurately passed down and all the necessary paperwork is in place to satisfy HMRC’s reporting requirements – making it easy to evidence compliance if challenged. 

Stay informed on legal and HMRC updates 

IR35 is a moving target. With legal cases setting new precedents and HMRC periodically adjusting guidance, it’s crucial that businesses stay updated. But monitoring policy changes and adapting processes accordingly adds another layer of administration. 

How Linx helps: We stay on top of every IR35 development, so you don’t have to. Our team ensures your approach is always aligned with the latest legal and regulatory expectations and we maintain regular communication with our clients to notify them of any changes. 

Engage an IR35 expert 

The simplest way to reduce the administrative burden of IR35? Hand it over to the experts. Managing compliance internally requires time, legal understanding, and resourcing that many businesses simply don’t have. It also requires colleagues to become IR35 experts, whilst continuing to perform their other responsibilities. 

How Linx helps: We work with organisations across the UK to support them with IR35. From managing assessments, to auditing their supply chain and identifying non-compliance risks in internal processes, we’re able to share the latest IR35 insight to help your business manage IR35. Our team are committed to ensuring your organisation has the right information to make informed decisions on IR35.