HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is running a number of free courses designed to help contractors understand their self-employment status and the tax solutions that are available to them.

Courses will be run throughout Northern Ireland on a number of areas and will be free for both contractors and employers to attend.

Julie Jones, business advice team manager for HMRC, says that many people find tax issues difficult when they are setting out in the contractor business.

"These events allow us to bring our advice directly to the local business community and offer practical assistance where it is needed," she asserts.

Ms Jones adds that these schemes are designed to make tax issues as straightforward and easy to understand as possible.

Earlier this week, HMRC warned contractors that they must submit their tax returns by the end of the month in order to avoid being issued with a £100 penalty fine.