Your CIS questions answered
If you can’t find an answer to your question please speak to us. We’re here to provide the answers you need.
Do you have to register, and what will you have to do?
The Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) is a construction specific tax regime that allows HMRC to trace transactions and collect tax. Contractors are required to report who they pay each month and to deduct CIS tax from subcontractor payments. HMRC determine the tax deduction rate, usually 0% for large subcontract firms, 20% for self-employed individuals and small firms, and 30% for individuals and firms not properly registered.
Who does it apply to?
CIS applies to all contractors and subcontractors, individuals and firms, who carry out construction work in the UK.
Are you a contractor or a subcontractor?
If you do work for the ultimate end user you are a contractor, if you do work under a subcontract for a larger contractor you are a subcontractor. Most Hudson clients are both because they carry out specialist subcontract work for a main contractor, but they also pay subcontract firms and self-employed subcontractors.
What work is covered under CIS?
Basically all construction work that includes an on-site labour element is covered by CIS. Things like manufacturing only, delivery only, none operated plant are not covered whereas manufacture and installation would be, the cost of delivery in with that would be, and operated plant would be.
What do you need to do?
Contractors and subcontractors are required to register with HMRC’s Construction Industry Scheme.
Registered contractors must then report transactions to HMRC monthly, check on subcontractor deduction rates (known as verification) and pass any money deducted over to HMRC.
All deductions must be passed on to HMRC.
What happens if you fail to pay?
As the contractor, it’s your responsibility to deduct the right amount of tax from your subcontractors and to pay it over in the correct timescale. If you fail to administer CIS correctly, you may be faced with a fine of up to £3,000 plus any tax loss, and as a business the loss of gross payment status.
I am still not sure, where do I get help?
You are in the right place reading this website. Contact us and we would be happy to advise, carry out a free health check and supply chain due diligence. Our aim is to leave you with a fully compliant system so there are no nasty surprises should you be inspected by HMRC.
Part of what we do will mean that the verifying and reporting of lots of individual subcontractors becomes our responsibility, you just verify and report on Hudson.
Latest Construction News
News
Hudson Foundation: Building on years of community support
Launched in 2024, our initiative helps young people learn trade skills, develop self-confidence and get a good start in life
13th November 2024
News
Freelance Builder Pay Trends: October 2024
Trade earnings reach another record despite uncertainty
12th November 2024
News
Double whammy of tax rises and new laws for employers
The government has already started consulting on plans to make it easier for unions to organise.
12th November 2024
News
Budget boost for Britain’s crumbling infrastructure but guess who’s paying for it?
The chancellor's first budget contained some welcome news with increased capital spending for rebuilding but clobbered companies with tax rises.
12th November 2024
To speak to one of our team, call us on 01262 401040
Or request a callback and one of our team will be in touch at a time that suits you.
Request a callback
Please select your role and fill in your details and we'll get you the right person to call you: