Umbrella vs Limited Company Calculator
Compare the take-home pay between working through an umbrella company versus running your own limited company. See the break-even point and understand which option is right for you.
Your daily contract rate
Take-home pay
£59,544/year
This is set aside from your gross and paid when you take holidays
Take-home pay
£65,226/year
+£5,682 more (9.5%)
Business costs breakdown:
Limited Company saves you more
£5,682 more per year(9.5%)
Break-even day rate: £110/day
Your rate of £500/day is above the break-even point, making Ltd more profitable.
At £500/day, running a limited company gives you £5,682 more per year. This accounts for accountancy (£1,500), insurance (£500), and the admin overhead of running your own company.
Umbrella Pros
- • Zero admin - they handle everything
- • No accounts to file or company to manage
- • Holiday pay accrued automatically
- • Simpler for short contracts
- • Employment rights (sick pay, etc.)
Ltd Company Pros
- • Higher take-home at most rates
- • Tax-efficient salary/dividend split
- • Claim business expenses
- • Pension contributions from company
- • Build company value over time
Based on UK 2024/25 tax rates. This is an estimate for comparison purposes only. Actual costs may vary. Consult an accountant before making a decision. IR35 status may affect which option is available to you.
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How the Calculator Works
Both umbrella companies and limited companies have different cost structures that affect your take-home pay:
- Umbrella company path - Your gross revenue goes to the umbrella, who deducts their margin (typically £20-30/week or 3%), employer NI (13.8%), then pays you a salary subject to employee NI and income tax
- Limited company path - You pay yourself a small tax-efficient salary (usually £12,570), deduct business expenses, pay corporation tax (19-25%) on profits, then take dividends taxed at lower rates (8.75% basic, 33.75% higher)
- Break-even calculation - We calculate the day rate where both options give identical take-home pay. Above this rate, Ltd is typically better; below it, umbrella simplicity wins
- First year vs ongoing - Ltd companies have setup costs in year one. Toggle between views to see the true comparison
Making the right choice
Beyond the Numbers
When Umbrella Makes Sense
Umbrella companies are ideal for contractors at lower day rates (under £350-400/day), those new to contracting, or anyone who values simplicity over savings. You get employment rights like sick pay and holiday pay, and there's zero admin - no accounts, no Companies House filings, no VAT returns. Perfect for short contracts or testing the contractor waters.
When Limited Company Makes Sense
Limited companies typically save money at day rates above £400-500/day, with savings growing as rates increase. You can claim legitimate business expenses, make pension contributions from company funds (before corporation tax), and potentially accumulate profits for future years. The trade-off is admin: annual accounts, corporation tax returns, confirmation statements, and VAT registration if turnover exceeds £90,000.
IR35 Considerations
Your IR35 status may dictate your options. Inside IR35 contracts typically require umbrella company arrangements (or agency PAYE). Outside IR35 allows you to choose. Many contractors maintain a limited company and use an umbrella for Inside IR35 work, getting the best of both worlds depending on the contract.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is an umbrella company?
- An umbrella company acts as your employer while you work on contracts. They invoice your clients, handle payroll, taxes, and admin, then pay you a salary after deducting their fee and employer costs. You're technically employed by the umbrella, not self-employed.
- What is a limited company (PSC)?
- A Personal Service Company (PSC) is a limited company you own and control. Your client pays your company, which then pays you a combination of salary and dividends. You're responsible for running the company, filing accounts, and managing taxes - usually with an accountant's help.
- At what day rate does a limited company become worthwhile?
- The break-even point varies based on your costs and situation, but typically falls between £350-450/day. Above this, the tax savings of a limited company outweigh the additional costs and admin. Our calculator shows your personal break-even point based on your specific numbers.
- What are typical umbrella company fees?
- Most umbrella companies charge £20-30 per week as a flat fee, or 2-4% of your gross revenue. Be wary of 'no fee' umbrellas - they often make money through less transparent means like skimmed holiday pay or employer NI schemes that may not be compliant.
- What are the costs of running a limited company?
- Typical annual costs include: accountancy fees (£1,000-2,000), professional indemnity insurance (£300-500), bank account fees (£50-150), and software/tools (£100-300). First-year costs add company formation (£50-150). Total: roughly £1,500-3,000 per year.
- Can I switch between umbrella and limited company?
- Yes, many contractors use both depending on the contract. Inside IR35 work often requires umbrella (or agency PAYE), while Outside IR35 can go through your limited company. You can maintain a dormant Ltd company while using an umbrella, or close and reopen as needed.
- What is the optimal director salary for a limited company?
- Most accountants recommend £12,570/year (the personal allowance threshold) as the optimal salary. This uses your tax-free allowance without triggering NI contributions. Some suggest £9,100 (NI threshold) if you have other income, or higher if you want NI credits for state pension.
- Do I need to register for VAT with a limited company?
- VAT registration is mandatory if your turnover exceeds £90,000 in a 12-month period. Below this, it's optional. Most B2B contractors register voluntarily as clients can reclaim the VAT anyway, and it allows you to reclaim VAT on business purchases.