Accountant for Tradespeople Brighton
Specialist accounting for builders, plumbers, electricians, carpenters and contractors across Brighton & Hove — CIS registration, self-assessment, VAT returns and limited company accounts. Fixed fees, no jargon.
An accountant who understands the trades
Trades accounting has its own rules — CIS deductions, VAT domestic reverse charge, subcontractor relationships, tool and vehicle expenses. We've worked with Brighton builders, plumbers, electricians and contractors for years and know exactly what you need, without charging you for time explaining the basics.
CIS experts
CIS registration, monthly CIS returns, subcontractor deductions and annual CIS reconciliation — we handle it all, so you focus on the job.
Self-assessment sorted
We prepare your self-assessment return with every allowable expense claimed — tools, vehicle costs, work clothing, phone bills and more.
VAT handled
Including the VAT domestic reverse charge that applies to most construction work between VAT-registered businesses. We make sure you're compliant.
Fixed fees
A price agreed upfront. No hourly rates that rack up when you call us with questions. Call us as often as you need.
Services for tradespeople
CIS Registration & Returns
We register you with HMRC under CIS and handle monthly contractor returns if you employ subcontractors. We also help you reclaim overpaid CIS tax at year end.
Self-Assessment Tax Returns
Annual self-assessment prepared and filed accurately, with every allowable expense included. We never miss a deduction that's legitimately yours.
VAT Returns & Reverse Charge
VAT registration, quarterly returns and the domestic reverse charge rules specific to construction. Filed via MTD every quarter.
Limited Company Accounts
If you operate through a limited company, we prepare your annual accounts, corporation tax return, and handle your Companies House obligations.
Payroll & PAYE
Taking on employees or paying yourself a salary through your company? We run payroll monthly and handle RTI submissions to HMRC.
Sole Trader vs Limited Company
We model both options with your actual numbers and tell you clearly which makes more sense at your income level — no guesswork.
Make sure you're claiming everything
Self-employed tradespeople can claim a wide range of expenses against their income tax bill. Many people miss legitimate deductions every year. We make sure you don't.
Vehicle & Travel
Fuel, mileage or the actual cost of owning a vehicle used for work. Van running costs, insurance, servicing and road tax all qualify.
Tools & Equipment
Hand tools, power tools, ladders, safety equipment — purchased or financed. Annual Investment Allowance typically covers the full cost in year one.
Workwear & PPE
Protective clothing, hi-vis, steel-toed boots, overalls and branded workwear. Not ordinary clothing, but all specialist trade workwear qualifies.
Phone & Broadband
The business proportion of your mobile phone and home broadband bills. If your phone is used entirely for work, the full cost is deductible.
Frequently asked questions
What is CIS and do I need to register?
The Construction Industry Scheme applies to contractors and subcontractors in UK construction. If you work in construction as a subcontractor, your contractor deducts CIS tax (20% registered, 30% unregistered) before paying you. Registering saves you money. If you pay subcontractors yourself, you must register as a contractor. We handle both.
Should I go sole trader or limited company?
It depends on your profit level. Limited companies often make sense once profit exceeds roughly £30,000–£40,000/year. Below that, sole trader is simpler and cheaper to run. We model both options with your actual numbers and give you a clear answer.
What is the VAT domestic reverse charge?
For most construction services between VAT-registered businesses, the customer accounts for the VAT rather than the supplier. It was introduced to reduce VAT fraud in construction. We make sure your invoices are issued correctly and your VAT returns handle reverse charge properly.
Can I reclaim VAT on materials?
Yes — if you're VAT registered you can reclaim VAT on materials you buy for jobs. This can make voluntary registration worthwhile even below the £90,000 threshold, depending on your materials spend. We'll advise on whether it makes sense for you.
How much does an accountant for a tradesperson cost?
For a self-employed sole trader we typically charge from £400–£600/year for self-assessment. For a limited company it's from £1,200–£1,800/year. Fixed fees agreed upfront — no surprises. See our pricing page or call us for a quote.
Let's have a conversation
Free, no-obligation consultation. No jargon, no hard sell. Just an honest chat about how we can help.