News
Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) Domestic VAT Reverse Charge
09 - 02 - 2021
What is the CIS Domestic Reverse VAT Charge?
The CIS Domestic Reverse VAT Charge has been designed by HMRC to prevent fraud where some
traders are receiving VAT from their customer, but not reporting or paying it to HMRC. Where the reverse
charge applies, customers within the construction industry receiving the supply of construction services
must pay the VAT due on those services directly to HMRC rather than to the supplier.
What does the CIS Domestic Reverse VAT Charge apply to?
The CIS Domestic Reverse Charge for VAT applies to any VAT on work which is subject to the
Construction Industry Scheme (CIS).
When does the CIS Domestic Reverse VAT Charge come into force?
The CIS Domestic Reverse VAT Charge measure was initially intended to come into force in October
2019. The measure has been delayed twice due to Brexit and the coronavirus pandemic. The charge is
now intended to come into force on 01 March 2021.
When is the CIS Domestic Reverse VAT Charge applied?
There are certain conditions that must be met before the charge is applied:
1. Both the Supplier and their Customer are registered under the Construction Industry Scheme;
2. There is no connection between the Supplier and Customer;
3. The supply is made between a UK VAT registered supplier and a UK VAT registered
customer;
4. The VAT supply is for construction services and materials;
5. The customer intends to make an ongoing supply of construction services to a third party;
6. VAT is chargeable.
When does the CIS Domestic Reverse VAT Charge not apply?
The Reverse Charge does not apply to:
1. Supplies of VAT exempt building and construction services;
2. Supplies of staff or workers;
3. Supplies not covered by the Construction Industry Scheme.
Who does the CIS Domestic Reverse VAT Charge not apply to?
The Reverse Charge does not apply to:
1. A non-VAT registered customer;
2. A customer who is not making on going supplies i.e. the end user;
3. Connected parties.
How do I account for the CIS Domestic Reverse VAT Charge?
If the VAT reverse charge rules apply, you may no longer need to pay VAT to HMRC each quarter.
Invoices sent to your customer (or “self-billing” invoices if your customer prepares their own) should
state that a VAT Reverse Charge is due. The invoice should continue to show the value of the VAT
and the VAT rate applicable. No VAT is actually charged on the invoice and your customer will not pay
the VAT over to you.
Your customer will report and pay any VAT due to HMRC on their own VAT return.
How do I report the CIS Domestic Reverse VAT Charge?
Under the reverse charge rules, the responsibility to report and pay VAT to HMRC will be with your
customer. Previously, this responsibility has been with your limited company.
What affect will this have on my business?
The overall affect will be nil with no affect on your business profit. However if you rely on receiving the
VAT for your company’s cash flow you may wish to retain additional money in your business bank
account to allow your company to pay for any ongoing business expenses.
Will the CIS Domestic Reverse VAT Charge apply if I am Gross Status for CIS?
Yes. The VAT reverse charge rules still apply if you are subject to CIS but have received permission
from HMRC to use “Gross Status”.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact your Advisor on 01244 625 500 and we
will be happy to explain further.
If you would like to discuss any of the issues noted above please contact us on:
01244 625 500 or 01978 364 000
contactus@foremansllp.com Whilst all due care and attention has been taken in the preparation of these notes no liability can be accepted for
any omission or item contained therein.
Foremans LLP
January 2021
