CIS registration for subcontractors: how to do it
Who needs to register for CIS, how to do it, what gets deducted and how you get it back.
· 5 min read
YOUR FIVE-MINUTE TOOLKIT
Guides
Plain English, practical advice and nothing you need a whole afternoon to read.
Tax
CIS tax: how your contractor works out the deduction
How a contractor works out the CIS deduction, with three worked examples and how to check yours.
· 5 min read
Mileage allowance for tradesmen: what you can claim for your van
The flat rate per mile for your van, the actual costs option, what counts as a business journey, and a log to copy.
· 5 min read
Self-employed tax for tradesmen: how much you pay on your profit
Income Tax and Class 4 National Insurance on £30,000 and £45,000 profit, worked line by line, plus the dates.
· 5 min read
VAT Flat Rate Scheme: is it worth it for a tradesman?
How the Flat Rate Scheme works, the building trade rates, and two worked quarters compared with standard VAT.
· 6 min read
VAT registration threshold: when a tradesman has to register
The £90,000 VAT threshold, the two tests, and a worked example for a floor fitter.
· 5 min read
Pricing
Markup vs margin: why adding 20% to materials does not give you 20% profit
The difference between markup and margin, a worked materials job, a conversion table and the reverse sum.
· 5 min read
Invoicing
How to write an invoice: what to put on it, with a worked example
The gov.uk checklist for a trade invoice, plus VAT, CIS, payment terms and a worked example.
· 5 min read
Tools you can use now
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Day rate calculator
Work out a day rate for your working year.
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Quote template
Turn your job details into a clear quote.
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Job sheets
Print or fill in practical records for the job.