VAT reverse charge rules changing in March
From 1st March 2021 the VAT reverse charge will apply to supplies of building and construction work.
This change will affect nearly all landscape contractors to some extent, and it is important BALI members understand the consequences of the changes.
What is the VAT reverse charge for building and construction services?
From 1st March 2021, all businesses performing sub-contractor duties by supplying construction services to a VAT-registered customer (a contractor) will no longer charge VAT. Instead, the customer (contractor) will pay the VAT owed by the sub-contractor directly to HMRC.
This means if you are a VAT-registered sub-contractor, registered with the CIS scheme who currently receives VAT payments from a contractor client, as of 1st March 2021 you will no longer receive VAT from these clients.
Why is the VAT reverse charge for building and construction services being introduced?
HMRC investigations suggest there has been an increase in VAT fraud within labour supply chains in large construction projects, which is estimated to cost the UK government over £100m per year. Allegedly, companies at the end of long supply chains are not paying the VAT they receive to HMRC, and the VAT reverse charge is being introduced to help reduce this.
Who will the reverse charge apply to?
The new charge will apply where the customer (contractor) and the supplier (sub-contractor) are both:
- VAT registered
- Registered with the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS)
- Doing works that are either subject to standard rate (20%) or reduced rate (5%) VAT
Which services will the reverse charge apply to?
The reverse charge will apply to the same services currently reported under the CIS. For a list of landscape services included within the CIS, click this link and for a list of general construction services included within the CIS, click this link.
The reverse charge does not apply when only materials are supplied but does apply when the cost of materials is included within a service provided - and this is regardless of material or labour content. If they are on the same invoice, all are included in the reverse charge procedure.
Are there any circumstances when the VAT reverse charge for building and construction services does not apply?
- Contractors who use sub-contractors for zero-rated work
- If the contractor or sub-contractor is not VAT registered
- Where building or construction works are for end users
Where do responsibilities lie regarding notification of VAT reverse charge for building and construction services?
The customer (the contractor) must advise the supplier (sub-contractor) if they are an end user – and therefore not subject to the reverse charge – in writing. HMRC suggest the following wording is used:
We are an end user for the purposes of section 55A VAT Act 1994 reverse charge for building and construction services. Please issue us with a normal VAT invoice, with VAT charged at the appropriate rate. We will not account for the reverse charge.
The subcontractor may need to ask the customer if they are an end user and should record this request and any response in writing and retain as evidence. It is important the subcontractor also identifies and records evidence supplied to suggest the customer (contractor) is VAT registered and subject to CIS.
Remember: If subcontractors wrongly apply the reverse charge and do not obtain VAT from the customer, whilst they will not receive VAT from the customer, they will still be expected to pay VAT to HMRC. The customer may be difficult to trace/no longer exist when the error arises, leaving the subcontractor to pay the VAT.
The supplier (the sub-contractor) must advise on their invoice if the VAT reverse VAT charge applies. Whilst no VAT will be charged on the invoice, the invoice must refer to the reverse charge and how much VAT is due (20% or 5%). HMRC suggest the following wording is used:
Reverse charge: VAT Act 1994 Section 55A applies
Reverse charge: S.55A VATA 94’ applies
Reverse charge: Customer to pay the VAT to HMRC
HMRC have indicated that they will apply a “light touch” in dealing with reverse charge errors made in the first six months of the new rules.
Further reading:
Government website: VAT reverse charge technical guide
Government website: Flowchart to identify normal VAT charges or domestic reverse charge
BALI website: VAT reverse charge
