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How to Register a Company for CIS with HMRC

If you’re a subcontractor or contractor looking to register your company with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) for CIS, you’ve come to the right place. If you’re ready to dive into the world of construction and take advantage of the benefits offered by the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS), stay put. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the registration process step by step, making sure you have all the information you need to get started smoothly.

Getting to grips with CIS registration

Before we jump into the registration process, let’s make sure you have all the necessary information. As a subcontractor, you’ll need your legal business name, Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR), VAT registration number (if applicable), and the date you started trading. Plus, depending on your circumstances, you may also need to provide your National Insurance number, Company Registration Number, or details of any registering partners.

If you’re both a subcontractor and a CIS contractor, responsible for paying subcontractors to do construction work, you’ll need to register for CIS as both. It’s important that all information provided during registration is accurate to avoid fines for false registration.

Registering online

The online registration process through HMRC’s website is not only the fastest but also the most convenient way to get started with CIS. All you need is your UTR and a Government Gateway user ID and password. If you don’t have a UTR yet, you can still register by signing up as a new business for Self Assessment and saying that you’ll be “working as a subcontractor”. 

This dual registration will cover both Self Assessment and CIS at the same time, making the process simpler for you. Don’t worry if you haven’t got a Government Gateway user ID; you can easily create one when registering. 

Registering by post

If online registration doesn’t suit your preferences or circumstances, HMRC also has an option to register by post. You just need to fill out the correct form based on your business structure –  a sole trader, part of a partnership, or operating as a limited company – and send it to the designated address provided by HMRC.

While this method may take longer than registering online, it is a good option for those who prefer or require it. HMRC has made the process as straightforward as possible to accommodate various registration preferences.

International registration

Even if your company is based abroad, and you’re doing construction work here in the UK, you still need to be registered for CIS. The process is similar to that which local companies go through. It’s all about ensuring everyone plays by the same tax rules and regulations, no matter where they’re from. So, if you’re getting your hands dirty in the UK construction scene, make sure you’re set up with CIS registration.

Help along the way

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, help is just a phone call away. If you have questions or concerns about CIS registration, HMRC’s helplines will guide you through anything you’re unsure of. If you prefer to learn in your own time HMRC offers webinars, emails, and informative videos on CIS registration. 

What’s more, HMRC’s website provides many resources, including guides, FAQs, and articles to support your understanding. Whether you’re a visual learner or prefer written materials, HMRC has tailored resources to suit different learning styles. Take advantage of these tools to boost your confidence and make sure the registration process is as straightforward as possible.

Stay informed and stay ahead

As you begin your journey with CIS registration, remember that staying informed is key. Keep up-to-date with the latest regulations to make sure you comply with HMRC requirements. Signing up for webinars and emails will keep you in the loop about any changes in the CIS landscape, giving you the confidence to navigate the registration process with ease. 

Plus, joining industry forums or networking groups can offer valuable insights from professionals who have experienced similar processes. Engage with peers to gain tips and advice, making it easier to overcome any challenges that come your way. With a wealth of knowledge and support available, you’re not alone on this journey towards successful CIS registration and thriving in the construction industry.

Get expert advice today

If you’re ready to sort your CIS registration,  contact us today at 01603 630882 to speak with our industry experts. Whether you’re a subcontractor or contractor, we’re here to help you through the process and ensure you adhere to HMRC regulations. If you prefer, you can fill out our contact form, and we’ll come back to you with personalised help tailored to your needs. Get in touch today to avoid missing out on the benefits of CIS.

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How the 2024 Paternity Leave and Pay Amendments Benefit UK Families and Employers

We’ve got some exciting news to share that will make a difference to families and employers across the UK. The government has recently announced some big changes to Paternity Leave and Pay, set to come into effect from the 8th of March, 2024. These amendments aim to provide more flexibility and support for fathers and partners while also offering advantages for employers. So, let’s dive in and explore how these changes will benefit everyone involved.

Flexibility for Fathers and Partners

One of the key changes is that paternity leave no longer has to be taken in one consecutive block of one or two weeks. Instead, dads and partners now have the flexibility to split their leave into non-consecutive blocks, giving them greater control over their time off. This means they can better accommodate the changing needs of their family while still taking the time needed to bond with their new baby. Whether it’s attending doctor’s appointments, helping with childcare, or simply being there to support their partner, this new flexibility means that fathers and partners can be more present and engaged during this important time in their family’s life.

Reduced Notice Period

Another big change is the shorter notice period for taking Paternity Leave. Before, employees had to give their employers more notice. But now, dads and partners only need to give four weeks’ notice before taking leave. This makes it easier for them to decide when to take time off, helping them to better adjust to their family’s needs with less stress during a busy and emotional time.

Support for Early or Premature Births

The changes also provide support for families when babies arrive earlier than expected. If dads and partners’ babies are born prematurely or before the 6th of April, 2024, they can still receive Statutory Paternity Pay (SPP) under the new rules. This safety net means that families can access the financial support they need, offering peace of mind when things don’t go as planned.

Transitional Guidance for Employers

With changes to Paternity Leave and Pay, employers need to know what to do. Even though HMRC’s PAYE payroll software will be updated by the 6th of April, 2024, employers may face the issue of babies born before this date. They’ll need to work out how to get back any payments made for Paternity Leave under the new rules before the software is updated. This means they’ll need to plan carefully and take action to follow the rules.

Claiming Repayment

If employees take Paternity Leave before the 6th of April, 2024, employers can recoup the money they paid, whether it was one long period or two shorter ones. Also, small and medium-sized businesses that are struggling financially can ask for an advance payment to cover these costs.  Businesses can then focus on their employees’ well-being without worrying about money.

Benefits for Families and Employers

So, what does all of this mean for families and employers? It means that new parents receive an added layer of flexibility and support during a challenging period of adjustment. By being able to split Paternity Leave into separate parts and with reduced notice requirements, families can better juggle the demands of work and caring for their new arrival. This flexibility can significantly ease the stress and pressures of balancing work and family responsibilities.

For employers, these changes demonstrate a commitment to prioritising the well-being of their workforce. By providing clear guidance on navigating these changes, employers show they value their employees’ needs and are willing to support them during important life events. This can create a positive work environment and contribute to employee satisfaction and loyalty. Overall, these changes benefit both families and employers by promoting a healthier work-life balance and creating a more supportive workplace culture.

Building a More Inclusive and Supportive Society

The 2024 Paternity Leave and Pay changes benefit everyone involved. With these amendments, dads and partners gain increased flexibility in managing their time, allowing them to be more present for their families during important moments. Meanwhile, employers benefit from streamlined processes that make it easier to support their employees through big life events. This demonstrates a genuine commitment to encouraging a healthy work-life balance and ensuring families receive the support they need.

Ask an Expert

To find out more about the new Paternity Leave and Pay changes, reach out to us on 01603 630882 or fill out our online form. Our expert team will be happy to help you get the ball rolling. Let’s ensure families and employers reap the rewards of these positive updates. Start your journey to increased flexibility today.

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Navigating HMRC’s Latest Off-Payroll (IR35) Compliance Guidelines

If you find dealing with tax laws overwhelming, especially with all the changes happening, you’re not alone. Therefore, we’re committed to making tax matters more manageable for you. The introduction and reform of the off-payroll working rules, commonly known as IR35, have added a layer of challenges to the mix. Luckily, HMRC’s Guidelines for Compliance (GfC) aim to help you understand and implement these rules. To help you, this blog explores the essentials of these guidelines. We’ll also share some insights to ensure your business remains compliant while keeping things running smoothly.

Understanding the Scope and Purpose of IR35

IR35 can sound like a mouthful, but it’s all about ensuring workers who provide their services through intermediaries like personal service companies or partnerships pay the correct taxes and National Insurance contributions. These rules mainly affect medium and large-sized clients in the private and public sectors.

Who Should Be Concerned?

If you’re a client or employer operating these off-payroll working rules, or you hire workers through personal service companies, limited companies, or partnerships, this concerns you. It’s also relevant for agencies in the supply chain and professional bodies advising clients on these rules.

Why Comply?

Compliance is more than just following the rules. It’s about understanding the legislation to make sure your business stays on the right side of the law and runs efficiently and ethically.

Three Key Components of the Guidelines

  1. Preparing and Making Status Determinations: One of the big things with IR35 is correctly identifying and classifying workers. The guidelines stress the importance of preparing for and making accurate status determinations for off-payroll workers. This means figuring out if a worker should be considered employed or self-employed for tax purposes, based on their situation.
  1. Collaboration in the Supply Chain: Working together is important for compliance. All entities in the supply chain need to share information and understand their responsibilities, especially when it comes to identifying workers covered by the off-payroll working rules.
  1. Systems and Processes for Compliance: The guidelines offer examples of systems and processes that can help you avoid errors when determining a worker’s status. This includes understanding different scenarios and organisational structures that may fall under IR35.

Practical Steps for Compliance

  • Use these guidelines alongside existing off-payroll working guidance to get the full picture.
  • Tailor your approach to your organisation’s unique situation and scale in off-payroll working engagements.
  • By following these guidelines diligently, your organisation can significantly reduce the risk of errors and, consequently, the likelihood of incurring penalties.

Understanding Your Responsibilities

  • For Medium and Large-Sized Clients: If you’re in this category, you’re responsible for determining the employment status for tax purposes of workers who provide services through intermediaries.
  • Issuing Status Determination Statements: When a worker falls under the IR35 rules, you must clearly communicate this decision via a status determination statement, giving clear reasons for your determination.
  • Handling Taxes and Contributions: If a worker is considered employed for tax purposes under IR35, you’ll need to handle the deduction of Income Tax and employee National Insurance contributions. Also, you’ll have to pay employer National Insurance contributions and, if applicable, the Apprenticeship Levy.

New Policy Change: Opportunity to Pause Settlement

There’s some good news, as, from the 6th of April, 2024, HMRC will let organisations with open compliance checks under IR35 offset taxes already paid by workers or intermediaries against what’s owed. This applies to Income Tax and National Insurance contributions assessed since the 6th of April, 2017, for off-payroll working errors.

Implications for Your Organisation

You can consider pausing the settlement of your open compliance check until after the 6th of April, 2024, under specific conditions. This includes acknowledging an error and agreeing on the gross liability. Providing HMRC with the necessary information is important.

Proceeding with Compliance Checks

HMRC will keep doing compliance checks as usual, but you can opt to pause the settlement. However, it’s advisable to make a payment on account to avoid accruing statutory interest.

Achieving Ethical Compliance with HMRC’s Off-Payroll Rules

Navigating HMRC’s off-payroll working rules might seem daunting, but it’s all about understanding the law, having a solid plan, and doing business responsibly. By following these guidelines, your organisation not only complies with the law but also sets an example of ethical business conduct. Remember, compliance isn’t just a legal obligation; it’s a mark of a forward-thinking and responsible business.

Seek Guidance 

If you’re ready to take the first step toward seamless compliance and ethical business practices, embrace HMRC’s off-payroll working rules today. Still have questions? Reach out to us on 01603 630882 for help or advice. 

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Accurate Tax Payments: HMRC’s Compliance Checks Unveiled

HMRC’s compliance checks might sound daunting, but they’re a key part of how the UK tax system stays fair and on track. It’s not just about keeping an eye on things; these checks help make sure everyone’s paying what they should, so it’s fair for all of us. This guide is here to break down what these checks are all about, why they’re important, and give you some handy tips on handling them. Think of it as your go-to resource for navigating these checks with less worry and more confidence.

Understanding HMRC Compliance Checks

His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) conducts compliance checks to ensure that everyone pays the right amount of tax at the right time, claims the correct allowances and tax reliefs, discourages tax evasion, and maintains tax system fairness. These checks can be triggered by various factors, such as inconsistencies in tax returns or significant changes in your financial situation. You can find out more about what triggers an HMRC compliance check here. 

The Role of Tax Agents and Advisors

If you have a tax agent or advisor, it’s important to make sure they have formal agent authorisation to handle your compliance checks with HMRC. This authorisation allows them to communicate and deal with HMRC on your behalf. If they don’t have this authorisation, you must arrange temporary authorisation. If you’re an agent yourself, it’s important to apply for formal agent authorisation or arrange temporary authorisation for your clients to manage compliance checks efficiently.

Why Does HMRC Carry Out Checks?

HMRC may initiate a compliance check for reasons such as:

  • Figures entered on a return that appear incorrect.
  • A large VAT refund claim is made when turnover is low.
  • A small amount of tax is declared when turnover is high.

HMRC will contact you and your tax agent (if you have one) to explain what they wish to check and why. If you believe the check is unnecessary, you can communicate this directly with HMRC.

Continuing Your Tax Obligations

Even if a check is underway, it’s important to continue filing tax returns and paying taxes if they’re due. Compliance checks can also extend to tax credit claims to make sure you receive the correct amount.

Cooperation During the Checks

During the checks, HMRC might ask for information or documents, and they may ask to meet with you or visit your business premises. If you don’t think this is necessary or it is unreasonable, you can speak to the officer in charge. If an agreement can’t be reached, HMRC may use legal powers to get the information needed. HMRC does this by sending you an information notice. If you receive this, it is important to give HMRC what they’ve asked for; otherwise, you may be issued a penalty. 

The Importance of Accurate Information

You’re responsible for providing accurate information to HMRC. If you have a tax agent, make sure they’re fully informed about your financial situation. Cooperation can lead to a quicker resolution and potentially reduce any penalties if inconsistencies are found.

Need Help During the Checks?

HMRC understands that dealing with compliance checks can be challenging, especially if you face personal difficulties or health issues. If you communicate these to HMRC, they can work with you to put reasonable adjustments in place. Also, if you need more time for a valid reason, don’t hesitate to request it.

Appointing Someone to Speak on Your Behalf

You can appoint a friend, relative, or adviser to handle communications with HMRC. Just make sure to appoint them officially first.

Seeking Independent Help

There are charities and organisations available to help if you’re struggling with the compliance check process. If the checks are affecting your mental health, speak to your GP, or organisations like TaxAid, Mind, or Samaritans can offer support.

Outcomes of Compliance Checks

If the check finds everything is in order, HMRC will quickly close the case. If you have overpaid tax, you’ll receive a refund with interest. On the other hand, if you’ve underpaid, you’ll need to repay the amount, possibly with interest and penalties.

Dispute Resolution and Appeals

If you disagree with HMRC’s decision, you can appeal. You usually have three options: providing new information, having your case reviewed by an unrelated officer, or arranging for an independent tribunal to hear your appeal.

Penalties and Criminal Investigations

If inconsistencies are found during the check, you may face penalties. However, the extent of your cooperation can influence the penalty amount. HMRC generally handles fraud through civil investigation procedures, reserving criminal investigation for particularly severe cases.

Compliance and Expert Help

Understanding HMRC’s compliance checks is important for every taxpayer. By maintaining accurate records, seeking professional advice, and cooperating with HMRC you can confidently navigate these checks. Remember, these checks are in place to ensure the tax system is fair and efficient for everyone. If you need help or have concerns about a compliance check, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

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What Triggers an HMRC Compliance Check

For the tax affairs of individuals and businesses in the UK, the HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is the governing authority that makes sure you’re toeing the line when it comes to tax laws. To maintain the integrity of the system, HMRC conducts compliance checks, also known as tax investigations. These can be daunting for anyone who finds themselves on the receiving end. Understanding what can trigger an HMRC compliance check is crucial for any taxpayer.

Common Triggers for HMRC Compliance Checks

  • Discrepancies in Tax Returns: The most common trigger is a discrepancy or anomaly in the tax return compared to previous years or similar businesses. This could include significant changes in income and expenses or making a large claim for a VAT refund when turnover is low. HMRC uses a sophisticated system to analyse returns, highlighting any that fall outside the norms for further inspection.
  • Late Filings and Payments: Consistently late filings or tax payments can raise red flags. This suggests to HMRC that there may be deeper issues with your financial management or a potential for incomplete or inaccurate reporting.
  • Informant Tips: Yes, HMRC receives tips, sometimes from disgruntled employees or competitors. If someone informs HMRC that a business or individual isn’t complying with tax laws, it may initiate a check.
  • Random Selection: Sometimes, there’s no specific reason; HMRC randomly selects tax profiles for investigation. It’s their way of keeping everyone on their toes and ensuring taxpayers maintain accurate records.
  • Sector-Specific Checks: HMRC periodically targets specific sectors where they believe tax avoidance or evasion is widespread. If your business operates within one of these sectors, your chances of a compliance check might increase during these campaigns.
  • Business Performance Inconsistencies: If your business shows markedly different performance metrics compared to others in your industry, HMRC might investigate to understand why. This doesn’t just apply to underperformance – unusually high success can also trigger a check.
  • International Transactions: With global transactions under increasing scrutiny, those who conduct a high volume of international business might find themselves subject to checks, especially if there are transactions from jurisdictions considered high-risk for tax evasion.

The Process of a Compliance Check

  • Initial Contact: A compliance check typically starts with HMRC notifying you, either through a letter or phone call. They will inform you of the check and what they need from you.
  • Gathering Information: HMRC will request specific documents, which could include personal or business bank statements, receipts, invoices, and accounting records. They may also want to look at your tax calculations and self-assessment returns in detail.
  • Meeting and Interviews: Sometimes, HMRC will ask to meet you or your accountant, or they may want to interview you to gather more information.
  • Outcome: Once HMRC has reviewed the necessary documentation and information, they will communicate their findings. If they find everything in order, they will close the investigation. If not, they may request additional payment of unpaid taxes, apply penalties, or, in severe cases, pursue criminal prosecution. In general, the more help you give, the lower the penalty will be.

How to Reduce the Risk of a Compliance Check

  • Accurate and Timely Filing: Ensure all tax returns are accurate and filed on time. Use professional accountancy services if you’re unsure about your ability to do this correctly.
  • Consistent Records: Maintain consistent and detailed financial records. This can make a compliance check much smoother and quicker.
  • Seek Professional Advice: If you’re in doubt about your tax affairs, it’s wise to seek advice from a qualified accountant or tax advisor. They can help you avoid pitfalls that might lead to a compliance check.
  • Disclose All Income: Declare all sources of income, including those from overseas. Full disclosure is always your safest bet.
  • Understand the Rules: Have a good understanding of the tax rules applicable to your business. If HMRC updates tax laws or guidance, make sure you’re following the new rules.
  • Report Changes: If there are legitimate reasons for changes in your income or business performance, report these proactively in your tax return.

Navigating Compliance Checks with Confidence

An HMRC compliance check can be a stressful experience, but understanding what can trigger an investigation is your first line of defence. Remember, most checks are initiated by anomalies or suspicions of incorrect tax reporting. By maintaining good records, submitting accurate and timely returns, and seeking professional guidance when necessary, you can minimise the chances of an HMRC compliance check disrupting your business or personal finances. If you need help keeping your records in order, don’t hesitate to reach out and speak to one of our tax return specialists. Our motto is ‘Tax Returns: Stress Deducted’ because we’re here to help keep your taxes on track, headache-free and hassle-free.

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What is a SA302 form?

If you’ve ever sat down to sort out some tax matters or tried getting a loan, you might have heard about the SA302 form. If you’re feeling a little lost, read on for our simple guide to the what, why and when of the SA302 form. 

What is the SA302?

An SA302 form is a tax calculation produced by HMRC for those who file a Self-assessment tax return. It details your income for a particular tax year and the tax that you owe or are due. Think of this as a report card that shows your tax position and explains how it was calculated. If you’ve used an accountant to complete your return, you’ll get an SA302 (also known as a Tax Calculation) on the back of the return.

Why Would I Need an SA302?

There are a few primary reasons why someone might need an SA302:

  1. Proof of Income: If you’re self-employed or have several sources of income, proving your income can be slightly more complicated than just presenting a payslip. Many lenders or financial institutions will request an SA302 as evidence of earnings.
  2. Mortgage Applications: Mortgage lenders often ask for the SA302 form as it provides a detailed breakdown of income over the tax year. It’s not uncommon for lenders to ask for SA302 forms spanning several years to gauge consistency in earnings. It gives them an idea of how much you earn, helping them decide how much they can lend you.
  3. Renting a Property: Some landlords or letting agents might request an SA302 to ensure potential tenants have a stable income.
  4. Personal Records: It’s always good practice to keep a record of your earnings and taxes paid. The SA302 is a comprehensive document that can be part of your financial records.

What’s on the SA302 Form?

The SA302 form contains:

  • Your total income for the tax year.
  • Breakdown of sources of income (e.g. from employment, property rental, dividends).
  • Total tax owed or refunded.
  • Personal Allowance and other tax adjustments.

It’s worth noting that the SA302 reflects what has been reported to HMRC. So, ensure all your income sources are declared accurately on your Self-assessment tax return.

But There’s a Catch

Here’s where things can get tricky. A tax return can be created without sending it to the tax office (HMRC). So, it’s possible to bump up the profit to make it look like you earn more than you actually do. The idea is to make lenders think you’re a safe bet.

But there’s a system in place to catch this.

Enter: The Tax Year Overview

To make sure everything’s above board, lenders also ask for another document called the Tax Year Overview. This can be obtained online by your accountant or by you if you have an HMRC account.

What’s it for? It shows your tax position with HMRC. Lenders will compare the numbers on this overview with those on the SA302. If they match up, it means the tax return was sent off with the numbers shown on the SA302, and the tax office is okay with it. The lender can then move forward.

What If Things Don’t Add Up?

If the numbers on the SA302 and the Tax Year Overview don’t match, it could cause problems. There might be different reasons for this mismatch, and lenders might stop everything until it’s sorted out. They just want to be sure they have the right information.

How to Get Your SA302 Tax Calculation

You can get evidence of your earnings (your SA302) once you’ve submitted your Self-Assessment tax return. You can also get a tax year overview for any year. To access both, log in to your HMRC online account, go to ‘Self-Assessment’, then ‘More Self-Assessment details’. If you or your accountant use commercial software to do your return, you’ll need to use that software to print your tax calculation. It might be called something different in the software – for example, ‘tax computation’.

If you’ve used an accountant to handle your tax affairs, they can obtain and provide you with the SA302 form.

In Short

The SA302 is basically a snapshot of your tax situation. When teamed up with the Tax Year Overview, it makes sure everything is transparent and above board.

If all this tax talk is making your head spin, don’t hesitate to get in touch for help. It’s always better to be in the know, especially when money is involved.

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