Industry SpecialistsInstitute of Financial Accountants (IFA)

Accountants for Builders & Trades in Glasgow

QA FinTax are specialist accountants for Glasgow’s construction sector — builders, contractors, subcontractors and every trade. We handle the things that catch construction businesses out: the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS), the VAT domestic reverse charge, gross payment status and reclaiming over-deducted CIS tax.

Construction has more tax traps than almost any other trade, and Glasgow’s building sector is one of the busiest in Scotland. Between CIS deductions, the VAT reverse charge, and keeping track of what each job actually made, it is easy to lose money to admin and penalties. As specialist construction accountants in Glasgow, we take all of it off your hands, and make sure you claim back the tax that CIS routinely over-deducts.

Call +44 7768 911170
accountant for builders Glasgow — QA FinTax, Glasgow

The Tax Challenges Construction Businesses Face

  • CIS deductions taken from your pay — often more tax than you actually owe
  • The VAT domestic reverse charge, which changes who accounts for VAT on your invoices
  • Verifying subcontractors and filing monthly CIS returns on time
  • Claiming vans, tools and plant correctly through capital allowances
  • Knowing whether each job actually made money (job costing)

How Does the VAT Domestic Reverse Charge Work?

Since March 2021, most VAT-registered construction work under CIS uses the domestic reverse charge. In short: the subcontractor no longer charges VAT on the invoice — the contractor accounts for it on their own VAT return instead. Get the invoicing wrong and HMRC can challenge it, so we set your invoicing and bookkeeping up to handle it automatically.

When the VAT domestic reverse charge applies
ConditionApplies?
Both contractor and subcontractor are VAT-registeredRequired
The work is reported under CISRequired
The service is standard or reduced-rated (not zero-rated)Required
The customer is an end user (e.g. the property owner)Reverse charge does NOT apply
Where it applies, the subcontractor issues an invoice showing no VAT and stating the reverse charge applies; the contractor self-accounts for the VAT. See our CIS and VAT pages for the full detail.

How We Help Glasgow Construction Businesses

  • CIS registration, monthly returns and subcontractor verification
  • Reclaiming over-deducted CIS tax through your return — often a significant refund
  • Gross payment status applications so you are paid in full
  • VAT reverse charge set up correctly in your bookkeeping
  • Capital allowances on vans, tools and plant
  • Year-end accounts and corporation tax, with job-level profitability

Who We Work With

Main contractors and subcontractors, and every trade behind them — builders, joiners, electricians, plumbers, roofers, plasterers, groundworkers and property developers. Whether you are a sole-trader sparky or a limited company running crews, the CIS and VAT rules are the same, and so is our job: keep you compliant and get your tax down.

The Services Construction & Trades Businesses Need

Construction & Trades in Glasgow — Frequently Asked Questions

It helps a great deal. Construction has rules other trades never meet — CIS deductions, the VAT reverse charge, gross payment status — and getting them wrong is expensive. A specialist keeps you compliant and, for most subcontractors, reclaims tax that CIS over-deducted during the year.
Because of the VAT domestic reverse charge. On most CIS work between VAT-registered businesses, the subcontractor no longer charges VAT — the contractor accounts for it on their own return. Your invoice should state that the reverse charge applies. We set this up so it happens automatically.
Usually yes. CIS takes 20% off your labour with no account of your expenses or personal allowance, so most subcontractors overpay. The overpayment is reclaimed through your self assessment return (or your company payroll). We calculate and claim it — it is often the biggest reason to have an accountant.
Yes. Vans, tools and plant qualify for capital allowances, and running costs such as fuel and insurance are deductible. We make sure everything is claimed correctly — including the Annual Investment Allowance on larger purchases.
Gross payment status means contractors pay you in full with no CIS deducted, and you settle your tax through your own return — a big cash-flow improvement. You must pass HMRC’s turnover, business and compliance tests. We check whether you qualify and handle the application.

Official sources

Rates and thresholds are stated for the 2026/27 UK tax year and are for general guidance only. They are not a substitute for advice on your own circumstances.

Accountants who understand construction & trades

Book a free 15-minute review with a Glasgow adviser who knows your sector.

Other Industries We Serve

Need help? Ask QA Assistant