19 Aug 2024Freelancers want to see Chancellor Rachel Reeves use the Autumn Budget to move towards a fairer, simpler tax system, according to the Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed (IPSE). IPSE's research found that 80% of freelancers believe that government tax policies, such as IR35, are harming their businesses. Meanwhile, just under half of freelancers reported having less confidence in the UK's economic outlook for the coming year compared to the past 12 months – down from 63% in findings from Q1 2024. IPSE's Director of Policy, Andy Chamberlain, said: 'For the past two years, the impact of record high inflation has been the main story in the business world. But for millions of freelancers, who are our very smallest businesses, the biggest barrier to growth has always been the tax system. 'This is about more than just rates of tax. Convoluted tax rules like IR35 are crushing freelancers and the businesses they've worked so hard to build. 'Rachel Reeves faces her first big test as Chancellor with a Budget in October and has made no secret of the need to raise money. But freelancers will be hoping that the Chancellor is also open to building a fairer, simpler tax system for millions of sole proprietors going it alone.'