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Construction accounting, explained.
Plain-English guides on CIS, corporation tax, self assessment and VAT — written for builders, contractors and developers across London.
HMRC Is Writing to CIS Contractors About Wrong Deduction Rates — Here's What to Do
HMRC is running a targeted campaign (August–December 2026) writing to CIS contractors about incorrect subcontractor deduction rates. Contractors have 45 days to check and fix errors before a full compliance check opens — with higher penalties for anything HMRC finds. Here's what the letter means and what to do now.
CIS Nil Returns: What Builders Must File Every Month From April 2026 (And What Happens If You Don't)
From 6 April 2026, every CIS contractor must file a monthly return — even when no subcontractors were paid that month. The nil return is back, and so are the automatic penalties starting at £100 for a single day late. Here's what builders need to know and do now.
How We Recovered a £2,000 CIS Tax Refund a Subcontractor Didn't Know They Were Owed
A West London bricklayer had been paying the wrong CIS deduction rate for two years. He had no idea he was owed money until we reviewed his deduction statements and filed the correction with HMRC. Here is how we found the overpayment and got it back.
Declaring Your Income for a Mortgage When You Run Your Own Business
Getting a mortgage when you run your own construction business is very different from applying as an employee. This guide explains how lenders assess self-employed income, what documents you need, why your SA302 and tax year overview matter, and how to strengthen your application before you speak to a broker.
Self Assessment Deadline 2027: What Construction Businesses Need to Know
If you are a sole trader, subcontractor or company director in construction, the 31 January 2027 Self Assessment deadline is closer than it looks. This guide covers the key dates, who has to file, what records you need, the expenses you can claim, and what happens if you miss it.
Companies House: Verifying Your Identity
Under the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act, anyone setting up, running or filing for a UK company must now verify their identity with Companies House. Here is what the new rules mean for directors, PSCs and anyone filing on a company's behalf — and how to get it done.
How Does CIS Work for Subcontractors?
If you are a subcontractor on a UK building site, the Construction Industry Scheme affects every payment you receive. Here is exactly how CIS works from the subcontractor's side — registration, verification, the deduction rates, and how to get your overpaid tax back.
What Is CIS Tax? A Complete Guide for Builders
If you run a building business in the UK, the Construction Industry Scheme almost certainly applies to you. This guide explains what CIS tax is, who has to register, how the deductions work and what you must file each month to stay on the right side of HMRC.