Call 01992 444466

Construction Industry Reverse Charge Rules New Legislation… are you confused?

Reading through the updated guidance for CIS NEW VAT Reverse Charge Rule for the Construction Industry might leave you confused. Here we have outlined what you need to consider:

If you supply constructions services, the reverse charge will only apply if you answer “Yes” to ALL of the following questions:

Is the work in question subject to either 5% or 20% VAT – ie is NOT zero rated?

Is your builder customer registered for both VAT and the CIS (Construction Industry Scheme)?

Does the work fall within the scope of the CIS, for example, plumbing, bricklaying, electrical work carried out on a building etc?

The Reverse charge will also apply to materials supplied by builders as part of their work, irrespective of whether they raise separate sales invoices for labour and goods.

CIS Reverse Charge: What do you need to do next?

  • Download and read through the guidance below – we have included a link to Accounting Web Intuit Quickbooks’ Guide for Builders and Advisers
  • Check your accounting/bookeeping systems to ensure they are ready to cope with these changes
  • Check your invoice templates to make sure they include the correct terminology required on invoices as suggested by HMRC
  • Update your Contracts to include HMRC’s suggested wording
  • Consider the cash flow implications this could have on your businesses – you may want to consider changing to completing monthly VAT returns and or you may need to consider additional overdraft facilities
  • Speak with your accountant who should be able to help you with this

Should I apply normal VAT Rules or apply the Domestic Reverse Charge?

If you are a business receiving building and construction services the flowchart below will help you

We would like to thank AccountingWeb | Intuit quickbooks for the information above.


We are local accountants who care about our community in Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire. We have been working hard to continue to keep you updated as the Government releases new information and are doing everything we can to support our clients and business associates, during this uncertain period, please do not hesitate to contact us here if you have any concerns or queries.

Visit our COVID19 Business Hub for more information

View our Latest Blogs

The information contained above is for general guidance purposes only. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the contents are accurate, please note that each individual has different circumstances and it is essential that you seek appropriate professional advice before you act on any of the information contained herein. HB Accountants can accept no liability for any errors or omission or for any person acting on or refraining from acting on the information provided in the above

Nimbus Green Hosting Logo

© 2024 HB Accountants | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer | Terms of use | Website by Origin 1

Logo of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales

HB Accountants is the trading name of HBAS Limited, a company registered in England with registration number 5085258. The registered office of HBAS Limited is Plumpton House, Plumpton Road, Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire EN11 0LB, England. Registered for VAT number 866062806.