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A Karshan contractor status review in Ireland gives businesses a written, solicitor-signed opinion on whether a contractor engagement is genuinely self-employed. Since the Supreme Court’s decision in Revenue Commissioners v Karshan (Midlands) Ltd, a five-step test applies, and misclassification can expose a business to backdated PRSI, PAYE and employment law liabilities. The review is priced per engagement, with a reduced rate for three or more.
What’s included
- Structured review of the contractor agreement, working practice, control, substitution and mutuality of obligation
- Written solicitor opinion classifying the engagement as self-employed, borderline or likely employment
- Specific redraft recommendations to reduce reclassification risk
- Optional updated freelancer and contractor agreement (add-on)
- Single consolidated report for multiple engagements
- Self-complete template with guidance notes — you fill it in yourself
- Documents tailored to Irish law and your circumstances, delivered by email
- A written summary of the key points and anything you need to do afterwards
Who this is for
- Businesses paying people on a self-employed basis
- Agencies, tech firms and consultancies using contractors
- Construction and logistics businesses
- Businesses with contractors on rolling retainers
How it works
- Find a solicitor through the Law Society of Ireland’s Find a Solicitor directory and send them the basic details and any existing documents or correspondence.
- Complete a short questionnaire about your circumstances.
- the template then applies the five-step test to each engagement and prepares a written opinion.
- Your written opinion and recommendations are delivered by email.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a contractor status review cost in Ireland?
This page is a free guide — nothing on it is for sale. Solicitors set their own fees for this work and must give you a written costs estimate (a section 150 letter) before starting. Get quotes through the Law Society of Ireland’s Find a Solicitor directory.
What is the Karshan test?
The Supreme Court set out a five-step approach looking at whether there is a contract of service, personal service, mutuality of obligation and control, and all other factors, such as integration and financial risk.
What if my contractor is really an employee?
The review explains options, such as regularising the engagement or restructuring it going forward.
For more on employment law for Irish employers and employees, see our Employment Law in Ireland hub.
If you would like to be told when solicitor services are available again on this site, you can join our no-fee waiting list. To instruct a solicitor now, use the Law Society of Ireland’s Find a Solicitor directory.
