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Guide to the Employer Payment Summary (EPS) – for Limited Companies within the CIS

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Guide to the Employer Payment Summary (EPS) – for Limited Companies within the CIS

by Daniel at Taxfile.

Understanding the Employer Payment Summary (EPS) monthly claims for limited companies within the CIS

Limited company contractors operating within the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) have distinct payroll obligations, including the submission of their Employer Payment Summary (EPS). In today’s guide, we’ll explain what the EPS is, its purpose, and the submission rules limited companies have to follow if they work within the Construction Industry Scheme.

What is the EPS?

The Employer Payment Summary serves as a crucial mechanism for limited company contractors to report additional payments, deductions, and adjustments to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) alongside their regular payroll submissions. While all such employers submit a monthly EPS, limited company contractors operating under CIS have specific considerations due to their status and the nature of their work within the construction industry.

The purpose of submitting monthly EPSs for Limited Company Contractors in the CIS

The primary purpose of EPSs for limited company contractors operating within the CIS is to provide HMRC with accurate information about deductions suffered under the Construction Industry Scheme. By submitting each monthly EPS for CIS, limited company contractors also ensure compliance with CIS regulations and provide HMRC with essential data for tax calculations and entitlements.

Submitting an EPS for Limited Company Contractors working within the CIS

Limited company contractors operating within CIS are required to submit an EPS to HMRC every month, even if there are no adjustments to report. EPSs should be submitted after the end of the tax month but before the 19th of the following month, in line with HMRC guidelines.

Contractors can use HMRC’s online services or compatible payroll software to submit their monthly EPS for CIS. It’s crucial to ensure that the information provided in each EPS accurately reflects the deductions suffered under CIS.

The CIS deductions suffered sent through an EPS are promptly reflected as a credit on the PAYE account. This credit will then be utilised to set off against other liabilities, including PAYE tax, National Insurance Contributions (NIC), and subcontractor’s tax submitted through the CIS300 return.

When sending the EPS you can also claim Employment Allowance and recover statutory payments that exceed the amount of PAYE due.

Submitting EPSs late may lead to penalties imposed by HMRC, which can vary based on the extent and frequency of delays.

CIS Contractor's Monthly Return (CIS300) - Explained

CIS Contractor’s Monthly Return (CIS300)

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CIS Contractor's Monthly Return (CIS300) - Explained

by Daniel at Taxfile.

The CIS Contractor’s Monthly Return is a mandatory requirement for contractors operating within the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS). It acts as a mechanism for contractors to disclose to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) payments issued to subcontractors and the corresponding tax deductions withheld from those payments. By providing HMRC with information regarding payments rendered and the accompanying tax deductions, the CIS Contractor’s Monthly Return guarantees transparency and adherence to regulations within the construction sector. In today’s guide, we explain the various components of the monthly ‘CIS300’ return, how the process works, key deadlines, the ramifications of non-compliance, and much more.

Key Components of the Monthly Return

The CIS Contractor’s Monthly Return typically includes the following key components:

This section includes information about the contractor, such as their name, Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR), and contact details. Ensuring accuracy in this section is crucial for HMRC’s records and communication purposes.

Contractors must provide details of all subcontractors they have engaged during the reporting period. This includes the subcontractors’ names, UTRs, and payment amounts.

Contractors must report the total payments made to each subcontractor during the reporting period. This information helps HMRC track payments within the construction industry and verify compliance with tax obligations.

Contractors are required to calculate and report the tax deductions made from payments to subcontractors. The deducted amounts are typically based on the subcontractors’ verification status and tax treatment under the CIS.

The Monthly Return concludes with the calculation of the total amount due to HMRC, taking into account the tax deductions made from payments to subcontractors.

Deadlines and Reporting Periods

The CIS Contractor’s Monthly Return deadlines follow a structured timeline, which includes:

  • The submission deadline — contractors must submit their Monthly Returns to HMRC by the 19th of each month following the end of the reporting period. (Contractors’ payments to HMRC must also be made by this date).
  • The reporting period covered by each Monthly Return — which typically spans from the 6th of the previous month to the 5th of the current one.

Making Your CIS Payments to HMRC

Once you’ve calculated the total CIS deductions, prepare to make the payment to HMRC. You will need to have the following information ready:

  • Your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) number;
  • Your payment reference, which is your 13-character Accounts Office reference number followed by the letter ‘C’ (e.g., 123PA12345678C);
  • The amount you’re paying.

HMRC offers various payment options for settling your CIS liabilities, which are explained here.

  • A contractor who operates as a limited company and also acts as a subcontractor might find that they are exempt from making any payments to HMRC. Subcontractors who do not have gross payment status will incur CIS deductions, which can then be used to offset any CIS payments owed to HMRC. This is exclusively available to limited companies. Please look out for our forthcoming blog focused on the CIS claim — a hyperlink will follow here once it’s live.

Implications of Non-Compliance

Failure to meet CIS Contractor’s Monthly Return deadlines can lead to various consequences, which may include the following:

  • Penalties — HMRC may impose penalties for late or non-submission of Monthly Returns, which can escalate over time.
  • Loss of benefits — non-compliance with CIS obligations, including Monthly Return deadlines, can lead to loss of benefits such as gross payment status, affecting contractors’ cash flow and competitiveness.

Managing the CIS Monthly Return Process

For contractors, efficiently managing the CIS Contractor’s Monthly Return process involves the following steps:

1. Maintain Accurate Records

Contractors should maintain accurate records of payments made to subcontractors and tax deductions applied. This includes keeping track of invoices, receipts, and CIS statements.

2. Timely Submission

The Monthly Return must be submitted to HMRC by the 19th of each month following the end of the reporting period. Contractors should ensure timely submission to avoid penalties and maintain compliance.

3. Use HMRC Online Services

HMRC provides online services for submitting CIS returns, making the process convenient and accessible for contractors. Registering for and using these online services can streamline the submission process and reduce administrative burdens.

The CIS Contractor’s Monthly Return is the key tool through which to report payments and tax deductions accurately to HMRC. Understanding its components and effectively navigating the submission process helps to ensure that contractors are compliant — and also avoids unnecessary penalties.

Rest assured, though: Taxfile is here when you need help with CIS returns and accountancy for construction workers, bookkeeping, CIS tax rebates for subcontractors, limited company accounts, and any tax-related matters that require professional help. We’re happy to provide guidance on compliance requirements, tax calculations, record-keeping practices, and much more.

Information You Need to Supply for Professional Help with Your Tax Return

Information You Need to Supply for Professional Help with Your Tax Return

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Information You Need to Supply for Professional Help with Your Tax Return

If you’re self-employed in the UK, you need to file a self-assessment tax return each year. It’s not only the self-employed, though. If you are on a higher income* or receive untaxed income from property rental, savings, investments, or dividends, you also have to submit a return. Getting all the fields filled in properly and the figures right can sometimes be difficult, though. That’s where professional help will be worth its weight in gold. But what information will your accountant or tax advisor need from you? That’s what today’s post is all about, and we’ll explain exactly what information you’ll need to supply.

* (Those earning more than £100,000 currently, or over £150,000 from next year). Read more

Pension Contribution Deadline Extended

Deadline for Voluntary Insurance Contributions Extended to 5th April 2025

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Deadline for Voluntary Insurance Contributions Extended to 5th April 2025

The original deadline for buying National Insurance ‘credit’ was 31st July 2023, but you can now ‘buy’ incomplete years to boost your state pension until 5th April 2025. The extension was approved by the Government, giving HMRC more time to deal with the process.

You can view our original blog on what you need to do to plug the gaps in your National Insurance contributions here.

Boost State Pension by Plugging Gaps in National Insurance

Boost State Pension by Plugging Gaps in National Insurance

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IMPORTANT: the video mentions the original deadline in April 2023. This has now been extended to 5th April 2025.

Do you have gaps in your National Insurance record? If so, it could mean that you could get a lower State Pension when you reach state retirement age, particularly if you are aged between approximately 45 and 70 at the moment. Generally speaking, you need 10 years of contributions for a basic state pension and around 30 to 35 years for a full state pension. It does vary by circumstance though and, even with gaps, some people might have enough qualifying years for the full state pension already.

Urgently Check Whether You Have National Insurance Gaps

Our advice is to urgently check whether you do have any gaps in your National Insurance record. If so, in many cases it would be wise to make some one-off payments to plug any gaps for the years 2006 to 2016. However, there is limited time to do so despite the deadline for this opportunity having been extended from early April to the end of July 2023 [UPDATE: This has now been extended again to 5th April 2025]. Thereafter, the chance to fix all 11 years from 2006 to 2016 will be gone forever. Read more

CIS sub-contractor refunds

CIS Sub-contractors – Claim Your Tax Refund Now!

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CIS sub-contractor refunds

[Updated April/May 2022]: It’s now time to start the process of claiming your tax refund if you are a sub-contractor working within the Construction Industry Scheme (‘CIS’). Refunds are usually fast through Taxfile.

What you need to do

Don’t delay – book an appointment with Taxfile today by calling 0208 761 8000 and we’ll sort it all out for you. We have staff who speak English, Polish, Pashto, Dari, Russian, French, and Dutch, should you need them on the day. Our Tulse Hill office is at 25 Thurlow Park Road, London SE21 8JP. Call 0208 761 8000 for an appointment — the first 20 minutes is free! Alternatively, you can have a ‘virtual’ appointment with us on Zoom, Teams, Google Hangouts, Skype, FaceTime, WhatsApp or whatever you prefer.

Outside of London? No problem – click here.

We’re open from Monday to Saturday in April & May (including early evenings Mon/Tues)

Our Tulse Hill office is open 6 days a week during April & May and offers Saturday morning appointments plus early evening appointments on Mondays and Tuesdays if standard office hours do not suit you (please call for details).

Check List

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New Taxfile Brochure - Download Here

New Taxfile Brochure – Download Here

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New Taxfile Brochure - Download Here.

The new Taxfile brochure is out and you can download it here. Even if you’re an existing client, it’s worth taking a look in case we can help you in ways you weren’t aware of. We can help anyone e.g. the self-employed, directors of limited companies, partners in partnerships, sole traders, retired people, landlords, taxi and cab drivers, construction workers and just about anyone.

The new brochure covers:

  • Self-assessment income tax returns;
  • Services for SMBs;The new brochure from Taxfile - accountants and tax advisers in Tulse Hill, Dulwich, South London & the South West.
  • Accounts work for limited companies;
  • Bookkeeping and bank reconciliation;
  • Payroll & PAYE tax and National Insurance, company pensions and more;
  • VAT help, including for VAT schemes, registration and VAT returns;
  • Company pensions (auto-enrolment etc.);
  • Corporation Tax returns;
  • Confirmation Statements;
  • Making Tax Digital (MTD);
  • CIS calculations and tax rebates for construction workers;
  • Help with tax complications;
  • Taxfile brochure - inside spread.Dealing with HMRC on your behalf;
  • Joining or leaving various tax schemes;
  • Capital Gains Tax (CGT) calculations and handling;
  • Tax calculations relating to property income for landlords;
  • Disclosures of income not previously taxed (e.g. from abroad);
  • And much more.

Forward to a Friend – Free Consultation

Please feel free to forward the new Taxfile brochure to a friend who could benefit from our accountancy and tax-related services. We offer a free 20-minute consultation for new clients, without obligation.

020 8761 8000 Book Appointment Download Brochure

We are open 6 days a week during February including Saturday mornings (by appointment) and later opening (until 6pm) on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Christmas & New Year Opening Times at Taxfile

Christmas & New Year Opening Times at Taxfile

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Christmas & New Year Opening Times at Taxfile

Season’s greetings to all our clients and readers and sincere thanks to all of you who have kept us busy with work during 2021 — we really appreciate it.

Here’s a quick reminder of our opening times during the Christmas period and into the New Year. This is for our Tulse Hill office (Thurlow Park Road) and our Dulwich office (Turney Road) except where otherwise indicated.

  • Friday 24 December 2021 (Christmas Eve): we’re open from 9am until 3pm (Tulse Hill office only).
  • Saturday 25 December 2021 (Christmas Day): closed.
  • Sunday 26 December 2021 (Boxing Day): closed.
  • Monday 27 December 2021 (a public holiday): closed.
  • Tuesday 28 December 2021 (a public holiday): closed.
  • Wednesday 29 December 2021: open 9am until 5pm.
  • Thursday 30 December 2021: open 9am until 5pm.
  • Friday 31 December 2021: open 9am until 3pm (Tulse Hill office only).
  • Saturday 1 January 2022 (New Year’s Day): closed.
  • Sunday 2 January 2022: closed.
  • Monday 3 January 2022 (a public holiday): closed.
  • Tuesday 4 January 2022: we re-open from 9am until 6pm.
  • Wednesday 5 January 2022: open as usual, 9am until 5pm.
  • Thursday 6 January 2022: open as usual, 9am until 5pm.
  • Friday 7 January 2022: open as usual, 9am until 3pm (Tulse Hill office only).
  • Saturday 8 January 2022: open 9am until 1pm by appointment (Tulse Hill office only).
  • Sunday 9 January 2022: closed.
  • From week commencing Monday 10 January: open as usual (see footer).

Have You Contacted Taxfile About Your Tax Return Yet?

If you need a self-assessment tax return or any other kind of return and haven’t yet arranged it with us, please arrange an appointment urgently. January becomes frantically busy in the accounting world, so please make the most of the remaining December appointments while they’re still available — thank you. Appointments are by telephone, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, in person (under safety protocols) … Read more

How we harness technology at Taxfile in Tulse Hill, Dulwich, Devon & Cornwall

Harnessing Technology at Taxfile

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How we harness technology at Taxfile in Tulse Hill, Dulwich, Devon & Cornwall

The rapid pace of technological change has caused some of the biggest shifts in how we view and process our tax returns. At Taxfile, we’re constantly striving to use technology as effectively as possible to aid us in collecting, analysing, and collaborating when working on your personal data.

Over the pandemic, we’ve had to place our reliance even further on technology to maintain our standards, with regular meetings online. We’re constantly improving the efficiency of our work pipeline and, with the ability to pull figures directly from online bank statements, we can ensure precision in the numbers we present you with. For the last two years, we’ve implemented cloud technology as both a collaborative tool between our senior and junior staff and as storage for various databases used to track everything from employee working hours to the status of your tax return. We’re expanding further on this concept in collaboration with Pure Technology by merging our existing cloud systems with our current remote work solution to form one, all-encompassing workspace environment. Hosting it in the Microsoft Cloud ensures that, with the help of our office staff, your paperwork and bookings can be sent to and viewed by your tax agent as soon as possible. This and a variety of other endeavours are examples of our ambitions to be at the forefront of innovations, and constant review of our policies ensures we remain ahead, or on track, to meet the standards set by Making Tax Digital (MTD) for its 2023 launch.

Contact South London’s Favourite Accountant

Taxfile can help you with all your tax or accountancy requirements. We offer Read more

Faiz from Taxfile - Helping the Community with Tax Problems

Faiz from Taxfile – Helping the Community with Tax Problems

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Faiz from Taxfile - helping the South London community with their tax problems

Hello; I’m Faiz Mazloumiar. I have been working for Taxfile since May 2005, mostly doing tax returns for subcontractors, self-employed individuals, partnerships and landlords. I specialise in helping clients who, for whatever reason, have fallen behind in their tax affairs, assisting in making disclosures to HMRC whilst trying to minimise the penalties imposed on them over the years. I always aim to put our customers first by calling HMRC to try to cancel recent years’ penalties, then I submit any outstanding tax returns. When I submit the tax returns I also do an appeal for older years’ penalties to be revoked. In many cases HMRC accept my appeals and clients get their money back for anything they have had to pay. I am always fighting for my clients and I have been known to battle on behalf of them for over a year.

I also help many people in our local community who are on PAYE but perhaps do not know if they are paying the right tax and NI contributions. It is a little like charity work. When people from the local community bring in their P60, I will check it and give them advice on how to contact HMRC and ask for a refund if they have overpaid. When new clients come with any problems, they are usually very stressed and anxious and sometimes don’t understand the intricacies of the UK tax system. We aim to help them with their tax problems, so they can leave us feeling relieved and a little happier. When I help clients they trust me and I have grown my client base only through recommendations. It is very exciting and satisfying for me to be able to help my clients and community as a whole.

Contact Taxfile, South London’s Favourite Tax Accountants

For any tax- or accountancy-related needs, contact us. We’d love to help! Call Faiz direct on 020 8655 7891 or speak to our main switchboard on 020 8761 8000. Alternatively message us your tax-related query here. We also offer a free 20-minute introductory appointment and this is available in person, through a video call (Zoom, Teams etc.) or via telephone — whichever you prefer. We are accountants and tax advisors in Tulse Hill, Dulwich, South London and Devon/Cornwall in the West Country.

This post was brought to you by Faiz at Taxfile.