CIS accountant in Northern Ireland: CIS sorted, so you can get back on site

The Construction Industry Scheme catches out more builders than anything else we see. Missed monthly returns lead to penalties. Subcontractors overpay tax and wait months for a refund. Firms that could be paid gross lose 20% of the labour on every invoice to deductions.

Berne & Co Accountancy Services handles CIS every day for contractors and subcontractors across Belfast, Lisburn and the rest of Northern Ireland.

For contractors

• Monthly CIS returns filed on time, every month
• Verifying your subcontractors with HMRC before you pay them
• Payment and deduction statements for your subbies
• If you're a limited company that's also paid under CIS, offsetting the deductions against your PAYE bill

For subcontractors

• Self assessment returns that claim back every pound of CIS overpaid
• Making sure all your allowable expenses are included, from vans and tools to mileage
• Getting you properly registered, so deductions drop from 30% to 20%
• Applying for gross payment status, so you're paid in full and handle your own tax

Common CIS questions

I'm a subcontractor. Will I get money back?

Often, yes. CIS takes 20% from the labour on your invoices before any of your expenses are counted. Once your tax return is done, many subcontractors find they've paid too much. The sooner the return goes in, the sooner the refund comes.

What's gross payment status and do I qualify?

It means contractors pay you in full with no CIS deduction. HMRC looks at your turnover, whether your tax affairs are up to date and whether you're paid through a bank account. We can check if you qualify and make the application for you.

I've missed some CIS returns. What now?

Talk to us quickly. Penalties grow the longer returns stay outstanding, and there's often more that can be done than people think.

Do you only do CIS?

No. Most of our clients get their CIS, VAT, tax returns and year end accounts all handled in one place, so nothing falls through the gaps. Want the detail on how CIS works? Read CIS explained: getting subcontractor deductions right.

This page is general guidance, not advice for your specific situation. Always check your own circumstances with your accountant before acting.