# IR35 for creator payments

> IR35, handled on every engagement. Status checked, SDS issued, evidence kept.

## What is IR35?
IR35, also known as the off-payroll working rules, decides whether someone working through their own limited company should be taxed like an employee.

Since April 2021, medium and large private-sector clients make that decision themselves and tell the worker in a Status Determination Statement (SDS). Small clients leave the decision to the worker's own company.

## Why it matters for creator payments
Many creators work through their own limited companies. If an engagement that is inside IR35 is treated as outside, the fee-payer can become liable for the tax and National Insurance that should have been deducted.

## What you need to do
- Decide status for each engagement, not each creator
- Take reasonable care and record your reasons
- Give the creator and their company an SDS
- Have a process for them to disagree
- Keep the records

StrideHQ collects what these rules need during [creator onboarding](https://stridehq.ai/creator-onboarding.md), before anyone is paid. Read our guide: [IR35 for influencer campaigns: who is liable?](https://stridehq.ai/blog/ir35-uk-creators.md)

## How StrideHQ handles IR35
1. **Status checked per engagement.** Each engagement is assessed against HMRC status criteria before the contract is signed.
2. **SDS issued and stored.** The Status Determination Statement goes to the creator and is stored against the contract.
3. **Disagreements logged.** Creators can respond to a decision, and every response is recorded.

StrideHQ automates compliance work. It doesn't replace professional tax or legal advice.