Since its launch last year, many UK contractors have used HMRC’s online CEST (Check Employment Status for Tax) tool to work out whether they fall within the scope of IR35. Recently, claims of its inaccuracy, and an independent investigation, have placed further doubts on the test’s reliability. Despite this, HMRC remains convinced that the tool is accurate, and contractors are finding themselves in murky waters. If you find yourself in this kind of a predicament, do not despair, we can shed some light on the situation.