Accountants for scaffolders
Scaffolding sits on the edge of CIS. Hiring out kit is one thing, putting it up and taking it down is another, and many contracts are a mix of both. We read how your work is set up and keep the tax right, for one person bands and for firms with crews.
ACCA qualified accountants with over 20 years in practice
Hire, labour and CIS
GOV.UK lists scaffolding hire with no labour as work that does not need CIS registration. The CIS list does include dismantling and providing access works, so when your team erects and strikes the scaffold for a contractor, expect CIS to be taken off. We look at how each contract is written where hire and labour are mixed.
If you pay your own subbies, you are a contractor too and file monthly CIS returns by the 19th. Crews on your books go through payroll instead.
Costs scaffolders usually claim
From HMRC's rules on allowable expenses and capital allowances.
Tube, fittings and boards
Equipment you buy and keep for the business is claimed through capital allowances on traditional accounting.
Lorries and vans
Business vehicles also go through capital allowances.
Your crew
Salaries and subcontractor costs are staff costs.
Insurance
Business insurance is one of the financial costs HMRC allows.
Hard hats and safety boots
Protective clothing needed for the work.
VAT for scaffolders
The domestic reverse charge covers the same construction operations as CIS. So erect and dismantle work for a VAT registered contractor under CIS usually goes on the reverse charge, while a straight hire with no labour is charged with VAT in the normal way. We check this contract by contract.
With a yard full of kit, turnover can pass £90,000 quickly. You must register once your last 12 months go over it.
More for scaffolders
Scaffolders we help nearby
Scaffolding firms with yards around North West London keep their books with us online.
The tax rules on this page come from GOV.UK and HMRC guidance. Last checked .
Questions scaffolders ask us
Do I need to register for CIS if I only hire out scaffolding?
GOV.UK says scaffolding hire with no labour does not need CIS registration. Once you put it up or take it down, it usually does.
Is erecting scaffolding construction work?
The CIS list includes dismantling and providing access works. We check how your contracts describe the job.
Can I claim the cost of new tube and boards?
Yes, through capital allowances on traditional accounting.
My lads are self employed. What do I have to do?
As a contractor you verify each one with HMRC, take CIS off their pay and file a monthly return by the 19th.
Scaffolders, let us sort the paperwork
Tell us how your work splits between hire and labour, and we will send you a quote.