Subcontractors & trades

Getting paid, and keeping what you're paid

As a subcontractor you're at the sharp end of CIS and reverse charge VAT, and often at the back of the queue for payment. Good accounting for a subcontractor is mostly about cash: reclaiming CIS suffered monthly, getting VAT right so invoices aren't bounced, and knowing which customers actually pay.

What we do differently

• CIS suffered offset against PAYE every month, not reclaimed at year-end
• Gross payment status applications and the compliance to keep it
• Reverse charge VAT applied correctly so invoices are paid first time
• Monthly VAT returns where reverse charge puts you in repayment
• Profitability by customer, so you can price or drop the ones that don't pay

Common issues we inherit

Thousands of pounds in CIS sitting unreclaimed. VAT charged on reverse-charge supplies and having to be re-invoiced. No idea of margin by customer. Vans and tools bought without capital allowances claimed.