Posts Tagged :

CIS

VAT Reverse Charges for Construction Industry | Help with VAT Reverse Charges | Vat Advice for CIS | Construction Industry Scheme Advice Bristol
VAT Reverse Charges for Construction Industry 758 513 Stepping Stones Accountancy

VAT Reverse Charges for Construction Industry

Individuals operating in the Construction Industry need to be aware that from the 1st March 2021 there will be a change in how VAT will be handled. Originally these changes were due to start in October 2019, but they were delayed initially due to Brexit and then subsequently by the Coronavirus pandemic.

The VAT domestic reverse charges for the construction services is, in essence, an extension to the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS). It will apply to any business transactions between VAT registered contractors and sub-contractors that have to be submitted under CIS.

Reverse charges will apply when:

  • VAT is charged in regard to construction services and materials
  • VAT is paid at a standard or reduced rate
  • A UK project is initiated between a VAT registered supplier and a VAT registered customer
  • Both the supplier and customer are registered for CIS
  • Neither the supplier nor the customer is connected in any way

According to the HMRC, they have introduced this initiative to help combat fraud. There have been many cases where construction businesses charge VAT and then decide to stop trading which ultimately means that they take with them between 5% to 20% of additional profit due to the VAT that they have charged.

Ultimately, as with any change of this nature, a business will need to make some significant changes:

  • Staff will need extra training to recognise CIS projects
  • All accountancy and bookkeeping practices will need to be updated to account for the changes in invoicing and reporting obligations
  • The VAT Flat Rate Scheme can no longer be utilised
  • No cash payments can be accepted
  • The cashflow needs of a business will change and consideration might be needed to file monthly returns

In summary, the construction activities that VAT reverse charges apply to are:

  • A building or structure project that has some form of construction work which includes alterations, repairs, extensions or even demolition
  • Any work on a piece of land that includes construction activities for walls, power lines, electrics, water, pipelines and sewers
  • The installation of lighting, heating, air conditioning, power supplies, drainage, water supply and fire protection
  • Painting and decorating of any internal or external surfaces of a building

Should you have any questions or need any further information in regards to the VAT reverse charge scheme please call us on 01173 700 079 or e-mail hello@steppingstonesaccountancy.co.uk.

Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) Refresher | Tax Advice for CIS | CIS Accountancy Help Bristol
Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) Refresher 758 513 Stepping Stones Accountancy

Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) Refresher

The Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) is a HMRC initiative where, if you work on a self-employed basis for a contractor in the construction industry (not as an employee), CIS rules state that the contractor needs to withhold tax payments from you at a rate of either 20% if you are registered or 30% if you are not. This is a slightly different set-up to other self-employed professionals who would receive gross payments with no tax is deducted.

It is not just typical construction work that the CIS covers, it can also include site clearing, repairs, demolition and decorating. The HMRC website has a very useful breakdown on what is included for the CIS – https://www.gov.uk/hmrc-internal-manuals/construction-industry-scheme-reform/cisr14000.

Anybody operating under the CIS needs to accept that, if construction services are delivered directly to a homeowner, then this work is outside of the scheme’s remit and customers will need a gross bill with no tax exclusions.

In essence you should register for CIS if:

  • You are acting as a contractor and using the services of self-employed professionals to complete construction work
  • You are acting as a self-employed professional offering construction services

If you have any questions in regards to CIS then our team would be delighted to help, please call us on 01173 700 079 or e-mail hello@steppingstonesaccountancy.co.uk.

Subcontractors and the Construction Industry Scheme | Payment Advice for Subcontractors | HMRC Advice & Guidance
Subcontractors and the Construction Industry Scheme 758 513 Stepping Stones Accountancy

Subcontractors and the Construction Industry Scheme

The Construction Industry Scheme (CIS), in its present form, has been around since 2004 but not everybody is clear on what is required and who it applies to. In essence the scheme means that when subcontractors are working for a contractor, that contractor must deduct money from their pay on behalf of the HMRC as an advance payment towards the subcontractor’s tax and National Insurance.

Whilst Subcontractors are not legally required to register with the scheme, they are technically penalised if they do not. Instead of the designated 20% deduction for those that are registered, the contractor is required to deduct 30%.

Anyone who does construction work for a contractor, as either a sole trader or limited company contractor, can register as a subcontractor on the scheme, this includes:

  • preparing the site, e.g. laying foundations and providing access works
  • demolition and dismantling
  • building work
  • alterations, repairs and decorating
  • installing systems for heating, lighting, power, water and ventilation
  • cleaning the inside of buildings after construction work

However, there are a number of exceptions from the scheme:

  • architecture and surveying
  • scaffolding hire (with no labour)
  • carpet fitting
  • making materials used in construction including plant and machinery
  • delivering materials
  • work on construction sites that’s clearly not construction, e.g. running a canteen or site facilities

Under certain circumstances it is possible for subcontractors to make a request to the HMRC to receive their gross earnings and pay their tax and National Insurance themselves at the end of the tax year. However, there are a number of criteria that subcontractors must meet in order to be eligible for this. More information is available from GOV.UK

At Stepping Stones we work with many companies within the construction industry and as such are well placed to provide advice and guidance to both contractors and subcontractors. Why not give us a call and see how we can help you, we would be delighted to work with you.

Contractors and Construction Industry Scheme | Accountancy Advice
Contractors and the Construction Industry Scheme 758 513 Stepping Stones Accountancy

Contractors and the Construction Industry Scheme

The Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) requires contractors to deduct payments from any subcontractors that they use in order to make advance payments towards the subcontractor’s tax and National Insurance.

It is a legal requirement that all contractors register for the scheme, whether a sole trader or a limited company, if:

  • they pay subcontractors to do construction work
  • their business doesn’t do construction work but usually spends more than £1 million a year on construction

There are a number of professions within the construction industry though who are exempt from the CIS including architecture, surveying, planning and civil/structural engineers. Such peculiarities can make the scheme a little tricky to understand.

For those companies who are required to register though there are some very specific guidelines that must be followed:

  • they must register for CIS before taking on their first subcontractor
  • they must check if they should employ the person instead of subcontracting the work. There may be a penalty if they should be an employee instead
  • they must check with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) that their subcontractors are registered with CIS
  • when paying subcontractors, they usually need to make deductions from their payments and pay the money to HMRC.
  • they need to file monthly returns and keep full CIS records – they may get a penalty if they don’t
  • they must let HMRC know about any changes to their business

Whilst more information is available from GOV.UK , the rules surrounding the Construction Industry Scheme can be somewhat confusing so it always best to get professional advice if you are unsure.

At Stepping Stones we work with many companies within the construction industry and as such are well placed to provide advice and guidance to both contractors and subcontractors. Why not give us a call and see how we can help you, we would be delighted to work with you.

 

    Your Name (required)

    Your Email (required)

    Subject

    Message