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Trades & Construction

🔩 Accountant for Tradespeople Brighton

CIS returns, self-assessment and VAT for plumbers, electricians, builders and scaffolders in Brighton & Hove

Free consultation Call 07534 476727
Property tax specialists
Freelancer & consultant experts
E-commerce & tech accounting
Trades & CIS specialists
Fixed transparent fees
Brighton & Hove based
MTD compliant
Why Fitzpatrick Co

Specialist expertise,
not generic service

We've built genuine depth in trades & construction accounting — not a little knowledge about a lot of things.

CIS specialists

We handle CIS returns, subcontractor verification, and deduction reclaims — making sure HMRC gives back what it owes.

All trades covered

Plumbers, electricians, builders, scaffolders, roofers, painters and decorators — we understand the trades sector.

Straight-talking advice

No jargon. We explain your tax position clearly and tell you honestly what you need to do.

Fixed fees

You know exactly what you will pay before we start. No surprises, no hourly billing.

Certified partners: Xero Bronze Partner QuickBooks ProAdvisor Silver ✓ MTD Ready

"The right specialist accountant pays for themselves — many times over."

— James Fitzpatrick, Fitzpatrick Co
Get in touch
📞 07534 476727 📧 info@fitzpatrickco.uk 💬 WhatsApp us
Our services

What we do for trades & construction clients

A full range of specialist services — all at fixed, transparent fees agreed upfront.

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CIS Returns & Compliance

Monthly CIS returns, subcontractor verification, reclaiming overpaid deductions.

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Self-Assessment

Accurate returns for sole traders — with every allowable expense claimed.

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VAT for Tradespeople

Registration, quarterly returns, Flat Rate Scheme — the most efficient arrangement for your trade.

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Bookkeeping & Invoicing

Simple cloud-based bookkeeping — Xero or QuickBooks — that works around your schedule.

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Limited Company Setup

Honest advice on whether to go limited — then full setup and ongoing compliance if you do.

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HMRC Investigations

If HMRC investigates, we stand between you and them and handle the enquiry professionally.

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How it works

Simple to get started

Most clients are up and running within a week.

01

Free discovery call

Tell us about your situation. We listen, ask the right questions, and give you an honest picture of how we can help — no obligation.

02

Clear, fixed proposal

A straightforward proposal with a fixed fee and precise list of what's included. No ambiguity, no hidden extras.

03

Smooth onboarding

We handle the switch from your previous accountant and set up your cloud accounting software. Quick and painless.

04

Ongoing partnership

We flag deadlines, spot tax-saving opportunities, and keep you informed year-round — not just a once-a-year filing service.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to register for CIS?
If you work in construction and receive payments from a contractor, you must be registered with HMRC's Construction Industry Scheme. Failure to register means 30% deductions rather than 20%.
Can I reclaim CIS deductions?
Yes. If the CIS deductions taken from your payments exceed your actual tax liability, you can reclaim the difference. This is common for subcontractors and the refund can be substantial.
What expenses can tradespeople claim?
Allowable expenses typically include tools and equipment, protective clothing, vehicle costs, fuel and mileage, phone, and accountancy fees.
When should a tradesperson go limited?
Going limited typically makes sense when annual profit consistently exceeds £30,000–£35,000 and you do not need to draw all the money immediately. We model the exact numbers for your situation.
Insights & advice

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Brighton tax & accounting insights

Monthly plain-English updates on tax changes, deadlines, and money-saving tips. No spam, ever.

Get in touch

Let's have a conversation

Free, no-obligation consultation. No jargon, no hard sell. Just an honest chat about how we can help.

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LocationBrighton & Hove, East Sussex
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Phone07534 476727
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Emailinfo@fitzpatrickco.uk
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WhatsApp07534 476727
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HoursMonday – Friday, 9am – 10pm

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is CIS and do Brighton tradespeople need to register?

The Construction Industry Scheme requires contractors to deduct money from subcontractor payments and pass it to HMRC. Registered subcontractors have deductions taken at 20% rather than 30%, and these offset against their annual tax bill. We handle CIS registration, monthly returns, and end-of-year reclaims.

Can tradespeople claim tools and work vehicles as expenses?

Yes. Tools, equipment, work vans, fuel for business travel, and protective clothing are all allowable expenses. Annual Investment Allowance covers most plant and machinery up to £1m per year.

Do Brighton tradespeople need to charge VAT?

You must register for VAT when turnover exceeds £90,000 in a rolling 12-month period. For construction, the domestic reverse charge also applies to certain supplies between VAT-registered contractors and subcontractors.