DEADLINE LOOMING FOR CIS TAX REBATE

If you’re a construction contractor paid via the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) you may be due a tax rebate.

This is because you can claim tax relief on business-related expenses you’ve incurred during the year. The deadline for your self-assessment tax return is fast approaching so if you’ve not yet taken action, now is the time!

As specialists in CIS contracting, we provide a comprehensive self-assessment tax return service which means your submission is made correctly first time, and that you receive any rebate you may be due without delay.

All you have to do is contact our team today via phone on 01244 684700 or email [email protected] to start the ball rolling. We’ll take you through the process from start to finish, all you have to do is provide us with records of any income and expenses you incurred during the year.

What records do you need?

The next tax return deadline is January 31st 2020. This deadline relates to the tax year April 2018 to April 2019 which means you need a list of your income and expenses from that period. Expenses should be accompanied by a receipt – if you’ve lost a receipt, speak to us to see what can be done.

If you have submitted your return, check that you’ve included any of the allowable expenses listed below – if you’ve missed any, please get in touch with our team who will help you make any amendments, and remember to make a note so that you keep records and receipts for next year!

• Tools, equipment and clothing

Your self-assessment tax return can be used to claim back the tax on the cost of purchase, repair or replacement of tools used in your work. You can also claim tax relief for the cost of replacing, repairing and cleaning of specialist or protective clothing such as hard hats, protective boots and overalls. Uniform is covered if it is ‘a set of specialised clothing that’s recognisable as identifying someone as having a particular occupation’ so high visibility jackets and trousers, for example, are likely to be included.

• Capital expenses

Capital expenses like laptops, phones and vehicles can be claimed providing they are purchased for business use. Similarly, you can claim for fuel, insurance and road tax as long as the vehicle is for business use only.

• Travel and subsistence

You can claim back travel, mileage and subsistence (ie. meals and accommodation) while operating from a temporary workplace. The definition of temporary is somewhere you’re assigned to work from for 24 months or fewer. If you do not know how long your contract will last, it will be considered as permanent after a period of 24 months.

• Administrative costs

You can claim tax relief on other expenses relating to your work such as phone and stationery costs as well as public liability insurance and membership of any unions or professional bodies.

Managing your expenses

It’s important to keep accurate records and copies of receipts for expense claims. Make sure you’re in the habit of keeping up-to-date and accurate records so that it’s easier to complete your tax return each year and receive any rebate you’re entitled to.

What happens if you miss the deadline?

HMRC can impose fines if you don’t file your tax return by the deadline.  You will automatically get a £100 fine if you miss the deadline, and you’ll be charged interest on late payments.

What if you’ve not incurred expenses?

If you haven’t incurred business expenses, or your expenses have been minimal, you can claim back up to £200 in tax by utilising your trading allowance. This is a £1,000 expense allowance available to self-employed people which would need to be claimed via your self-assessment tax return.

Let us help you with your self-assessment tax return

Find out more about our self-assessment tax return service or get in touch on 01244 684700.