Advice for newbie computer contractor

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jsverbs

2 posts

Wannabe Geek

#85505 20-Jun-2011 22:18

Can't see where else to post this. Recommendations are always welcome :-)

I'm currently in negotiation with a potential customer regarding the supply for software design and possibly some development services.

However never having done this in NZ before (I've done it in the UK many years ago) I wonder if there are specialist sites and organisations that I can use to navigate this potential mine field.

For example I need a lawyer and accountant who have specific expertise in this field. I don't just want to pick up any old person from the phone book (google lol).

If you have any recommendations please I'd be very grateful. I'm based on the Auckland North Shore.

timbosan

2159 posts

Uber Geek

#483449 20-Jun-2011 22:43

jsverbs: Can't see where else to post this. Recommendations are always welcome :-)

I'm currently in negotiation with a potential customer regarding the supply for software design and possibly some development services.

However never having done this in NZ before (I've done it in the UK many years ago) I wonder if there are specialist sites and organisations that I can use to navigate this potential mine field.

For example I need a lawyer and accountant who have specific expertise in this field. I don't just want to pick up any old person from the phone book (google lol).

If you have any recommendations please I'd be very grateful. I'm based on the Auckland North Shore.

Hey, good to see another fellow contractor! I have been contracting in NZ for many years, plus short stints in the UK and Australia, and they are all pretty much the same.

First things first, I am not an accountant, and IANAL. I am just a contractor.

Forming a company is the best practice, but there is a cost, and it's not compulsary, you can trade as a 'sole trader'. You should register for GST too, but again that is optional for income under $60,000.

As for accountants, I have used several over the years, and found the smaller operations better, in the end you are running a small business and the nature of the business shouldn't affect your choice of accountant.

I have never need the services of a lawyer for work, however I have seen a couple of contracts lately that stipulate having indemnity and personal liability insurance as a requirement.

If you need any other advice, I will be happy to help where I can.

EDIT - fixed the amount for GST - http://www.ird.govt.nz/gst/gst-registering/

jsverbs

2 posts

Wannabe Geek

#483584 21-Jun-2011 12:22

Thanks Tim have PMed you.

Would anyone else have knowlege of standard contracts? My potential customer has not used contractors before so I need to present a favourable contract/standard terms of reference etc..

timbosan

2159 posts

Uber Geek

#483594 21-Jun-2011 12:46

jsverbs: Thanks Tim have PMed you.

Would anyone else have knowlege of standard contracts? My potential customer has not used contractors before so I need to present a favourable contract/standard terms of reference etc..

My first response would be to try one of the agencies that use contractors, although they probably wouldn't give you anything for free ;-)

Most of the contracts I see now-days are pretty standard, just differing terms on restraint of trade, notice periods etc. They all have sections explicitly noting you are a contract, not an employee and they have no obligations around tax, holiday pay etc. Also most note that if you go bankrupt the contract terminates.

Will respond to the PM!