Complete Contracting Solutions
Galaxy Contracts is an employment intermediary owned and operated by
Dayna Woodcock and Sam O'Sullivan.
We work with Recruitment Agencies, End Users, Freelancers and Employees by supplying contracting services.
We are also known as an Umbrella company.
Our Mission
Our mission is to enable the Irish workforce to enjoy the freedom and flexibility of contracting. Whether you’re contracting short or long-term, we have the ability to meet your every contracting requirement.
Our team of experts will clarify any queries you may have, and take care of all administrative burdens, ensuring the best solution for your unique circumstances, whilst remaining fully focused on compliance at all times.
At Galaxy Contracts, we take a highly consultative approach, working quickly and resourcefully to ensure the most practical, efficient solution. We help contractors to maximise their take-home pay in a transparent and meaningful way, ensuring you fully benefit from your work.
From tax, social security and VAT, we ensure all of your needs are handled compliantly.
Benefits of Joining an Umbrella Company?
An umbrella company typically hires contractors and freelancers directly, who often work on various fixed-term contracts. Once you secure a role, the umbrella company will enter into a contract with your recruitment agency or end client. You’ll also need to sign a contract with the umbrella company. It’s important to track your time on-site and document your work in timesheets, which you’ll then submit to your manager for approval.
In some cases, contractors become employees of the umbrella company, which then serves as an intermediary between the contractor and the recruitment agency or end client.
Umbrella companies usually handle the entire process, from contract execution and invoicing to contractor payment. Their services are primarily administrative and accounting-focused, involving timesheet management, payroll processing, tax calculations, VAT returns, client invoicing, and financial transactions.
All umbrella companies must comply with tax and employment laws. Many leading clients require insurance and adherence to specific compliance standards. We already have all necessary compliance and insurance measures in place, allowing contractors to avoid unnecessary complications.
Joining an umbrella company offers significant advantages and convenience for contractors. It eliminates the hassle of setting up a limited company right away, making it especially appealing for those contracting on a short-term basis. You won’t have to deal with the process of forming a limited company only to dissolve it later.
For short-term contracts, an umbrella company provides a streamlined solution by avoiding both the setup costs and the complexities of winding down after contract termination.
Another major benefit is that, as an employee of the umbrella company, you gain legal employee status. They handle all your paperwork, making it one of the simplest options for most contractors.
You also gain access to statutory employment benefits, including maternity and paternity pay, statutory sick pay, and a workplace pension.
Additionally, throughout your time with the umbrella company, you maintain a continuous employment record, even as you switch between roles. This continuity can help prevent unexpected tax bills and simplify the process if you’re looking to secure mortgages or loans.
Umbrella PAYE - What is an Umbrella Company?
Contracting is diverse and appealing, becoming an increasingly popular way to leverage short-term expertise across leading global economies.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, contracting has surged in popularity among individuals and businesses alike. The shift to remote work accelerated, leading to greater commercial innovation, including the adoption of digital forms, website developments, and e-signatures.
Today, contractors represent a significant portion of the global workforce. This includes domestic workers, expatriates, and professionals in fields like Construction, Logistics IT, healthcare, and aviation.
Contract work is expanding across various sectors, with many economists predicting that contractors may outnumber full-time employees within a decade. Companies are increasingly turning to independent contractors to find professionals with the right mix of skills and availability.
The rules governing independent contractors often depend on their specific roles and the countries in which they operate. Generally, contractors are responsible for all their business expenses.
Skilled professionals who choose to work as self-employed individuals are often referred to as contractors or freelancers. They may operate through an umbrella company, a composite scheme, or a single-person company, sometimes requiring participation in a payroll solution depending on their location.
Contracting offers numerous benefits, including enhanced flexibility, competitive pay, increased independence, opportunities to develop new skills, diverse experiences, and the chance to build international networks. However, it also comes with challenges.
Many agencies only engage contractors who are part of approved solutions, which can impose a considerable administrative burden, especially with frequent contract changes.
Navigating the complexities of contracting can be daunting without expert assistance, leading to potential mistakes related to tax, social security, and immigration.
Most contractors prefer to focus on their core business areas and hire consultants with expertise to help manage these complexities effectively.
Sole Trader
An Umbrella Company is a fully established entity that is insured, VAT registered, named, and has a bank account. It serves as a compliant payment solution for professional contractors, allowing you to get paid easily. Our quick and straightforward setup means you can kickstart your contracting career right away.
With an Umbrella PAYE solution, you can work under the umbrella company as a PAYE member. This is particularly beneficial for first-time contractors on short-term assignments or those looking to maintain Class A PRSI contributions.
However, this solution may not be as tax-efficient as other contracting options, so we typically recommend it for short-term contracts of around three months.
We understand the hustle, the late nights, and the determination it takes to be a sole trader. It often feels like a one-person show, where you juggle every role, handle all tasks, and make all decisions.
You are the heart of your business, nurturing it from the ground up, which means you also bear the responsibility for tax obligations and any debts incurred. But here’s the truth: you don’t have to do it all by yourself.
At Galaxy Contracts, we’re here to offer the support you need. We know your time is valuable and should be focused on what matters most—growing your business and excelling at what you do best.
We specialise in simplifying and managing the tax, accounting, bookkeeping, and administrative aspects of your business, ensuring you stay compliant. Our goal is to lighten your load, allowing you to invest more time in your core activities.
Plus, our online accounting software is designed for small businesses, making it easy for you to track and claim your expenses—no more lost receipts!
Why Outsource to Galaxy Contracts?
How Do I Get Set Up?
Setting up with a PAYE Umbrella Company is simple and comes with free immediate registration! This option allows you to keep your PAYE status while contracting, making it ideal for short-term contracts, usually around three months.
You will maintain your PAYE status and all your social welfare benefits.
Good to Know
As a contractor using the Umbrella (PAYE) solution, you’ll be responsible for both Employee PRSI and Employer PRSI. This is standard practice in the industry and ensures you retain full PRSI benefits.
Benefits
Simple Hassle Free Set-up
Short-Term Contracts
For When you Don’t Want Your Own Company
Class A PRSI
Continue Contributing to Social Welfare Benefits
Retain Your PAYE Tax Credit
Immediate Start
Same Day Transfer of Funds
Dedicated Account Manager
Includes Company Insurances
Benefits for Recruitment Agencies & Clients
Benefits of Being a Sole Trader
Why Outsource to Galaxy Contracts?
Why Outsource to Galaxy Contracts?
You can build deeper, more personal connections with your customers compared to larger organisations, fostering trust and loyalty, which enhances their overall experience.
Operating as a Sole Trader
Outsourcing employment contracting and payroll can lead to increased efficiency, reduced costs, and improved compliance for businesses of all sizes.
When operating as a Sole Trader in Ireland, there are a few important things to keep in mind to ensure a smooth process:
Outsourcing can reduce operational costs associated with hiring in-house staff for payroll and contracting management, including salaries, benefits, and training.
Registering as a Sole Trader
Once you decide to start your business, you must inform Revenue (How to register for tax as a sole trader (revenue.ie). You can register using their online service, MyAccount (myAccount (ros.ie). We can assist you with this registration when you become a client.
Choosing Your Business Name
If you prefer to trade under a business name rather than your own, you’ll need to register that name with the Companies Registration Office (CRO).
Business Bank Account
It’s advisable to open a separate business bank account to keep your personal and business finances distinct.
Understanding Your Tax Obligations
You should be aware that all your income is subject to tax after accounting for business expenses. Once you become a client of Contracting PLUS, we’ll handle all of this for you. You’ll also receive a Dedicated Account Manager who will guide you on eligible business expenses to help minimize your tax liability.
Services
Outsourcing employment contracting and payroll offers several benefits for businesses, including:
Outsourcing employment contracting and payroll offers several benefits for businesses, including:
Call Galaxy Contracts today to discuss your contracting needs and for a comprehensive understanding of our client and agency solutions.
Our mission is to enable the Irish workforce to enjoy the freedom and flexibility of contracting. Whether you’re contracting short or long-term, we have the ability to meet your every contracting requirement.
Our team of experts will clarify any queries you may have, and take care of all administrative burdens, ensuring the best solution for your unique circumstances, whilst remaining fully focused on compliance at all times.
At Galaxy Contracts, we take a highly consultative approach, working quickly and resourcefully to ensure the most practical, efficient solution. We help contractors to maximise their take-home pay in a transparent and meaningful way, ensuring you fully benefit from your work.
From tax, social security and VAT, we ensure all of your needs are handled compliantly.
Benefits of Joining an Umbrella Company?