Specialist Accountants for Construction & Trades Companies
Stay compliant. Get paid correctly. Build profit with a team that understands CIS and reverse VAT. Local, proactive support for builders, subcontractors and trades across Sutton Coldfield, Burton-on-Trent and Birmingham.
- Local Expertise
- Personalised Support
- Proactive Guidance
- Clarity & Confidence
Specialist Accountants for Construction & Trades Companies
Spend less time chasing receipts and more time on site. We take care of everything from CIS and payroll to VAT, bookkeeping, self assessments and year-end accounts. Our fully managed service keeps everything accurate, compliant and on time so you can focus on running your business with confidence.
Our Services
At Daykin Scott, we understand that tax and accounting can be time-consuming and stressful for tradespeople and construction businesses. We offer a complete range of services to help you stay compliant, save time, and make better decisions, whether you're a sole trader, subcontractor or managing a growing team.
Call us today to schedule a FREE consultation
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some of our most commonly asked questions.
The reverse charge applies when a VAT‑registered subcontractor supplies construction services to a VAT‑registered contractor, and the service falls under the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS).
Your customer (the contractor) must then account for VAT on that supply in their VAT return instead of you charging VAT.
Yes. If you are contracting others, you must verify their CIS registration status via HMRC before paying them.
If a subcontractor is not registered, you might need to deduct tax at a higher rate (30%) rather than the standard 20%.
If materials are supplied together with construction services (labour + materials) as one combined contract, the reverse charge usually applies to the whole supply, not just the labour portion.
However, there’s a “5% disregard” rule: if the labour component is 5% or less of the total value, the supply may be treated under the normal VAT rules instead.
The reverse charge applies to supplies subject to standard (20%) or reduced rates (such as 5%) of VAT under CIS.
If a service is zero-rated (0%), the reverse charge will not apply.
If you are the recipient (contractor), you include the VAT you “self-assess” as output tax (Box 1) and also reclaim it as input tax (Box 4) in the same VAT return—assuming the purchase is allowable.
As a supplier, your invoice should clearly state that the domestic reverse charge applies and how much VAT is due (or the rate) without adding VAT to the invoice amount.
CIS is an HMRC scheme that affects payments from contractors to subcontractors in the construction industry.
Contractors must deduct tax (usually 20%) from payments to subcontractors (unless they have gross payment status) and pass it to HMRC.
Subcontractors file self‑assessments or corporate tax returns and can offset those deductions against their tax liabilities.
If you’re a subcontractor (sole trader or in partnership), you’ll file a self assessment each year. You’ll report the income you received (net of CIS deductions) and claim any allowable expenses.
If deductions taken under CIS exceed your tax liability, you may get a refund via self assessment.
HMRC may allow a “light touch” approach for honest mistakes, especially early on, so long as you acted in good faith.
But consistent or deliberate errors could lead to assessments or penalties.
Areas we Serve
- Sutton Coldfield
- Four Oaks
- Mere Green
- Walmley
- Boldmere
- Erdington
- Birmingham
- Tamworth
- Lichfield
- Walsall
- Burntwood
- Cannock
- Burton-on-Trent
- Swadlincote
- Ashby-de-la-Zouch
- Uttoxeter
Construction & Trades Support Process
View below for our process on how we would work with you.
Understanding Your Business
We start by learning how your trade or construction business runs, whether you're on site, managing subcontractors, or juggling multiple jobs. We look at your goals, how you get paid, and what pressures you’re under.
Review and Discovery
We check over your current bookkeeping, CIS setup, VAT approach, and how you track costs and invoices. We’ll spot any gaps, delays, or risks that could cost you time or money.
Build a Better System
We create a simple, reliable plan for your accounts. That includes regular bookkeeping, CIS compliance, VAT returns, payroll and clear reporting. Everything is designed around your workflow and deadlines.
Support That Fits Around You
We stay in touch throughout the year. Whether you want reminders, reports, or quick answers, we keep things running smoothly and help you stay one step ahead with proactive advice.
Expertise
Let’s take the stress out of accounting so you can focus on the job. We’ll get things sorted and help you stay ahead.
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