Accountants for Tradespeople and Construction Businesses
RCT, reverse charge VAT, Form 11 returns and expenses for builders, electricians, plumbers, carpenters and subcontractors across Kerry and Ireland.
Accounts that keep you on the tools
Trades and construction businesses face more Revenue rules than most. Relevant Contracts Tax (RCT), reverse charge VAT, subcontractor rates and van costs all need to be right, and the paperwork arrives just when you are busiest.
We take it off your hands. You send us invoices and receipts with a photo on your phone, and we make sure every RCT credit and expense is claimed and every return is filed on time.
What we do for trades and contractors
RCT for subcontractors
We check your RCT rate, track the tax deducted from your payments and claim it back against your bill.
RCT for principal contractors
Payment notifications and monthly returns on eRCT, with the right rate for each subcontractor.
Reverse charge VAT
Invoices and VAT3 returns that apply the construction reverse charge correctly.
Form 11 or company accounts
Sole trader returns, or CT1 and CRO returns if you trade as a company.
Van, tools and expenses
Capital allowances, fuel, insurance, protective gear and training claimed.
Payroll
For apprentices and employees, including My Future Fund.
RCT rates explained
| RCT rate | When it applies |
|---|---|
| 0% | Subcontractors with a good tax compliance record with Revenue |
| 20% | Subcontractors registered with Revenue but without a full compliance record |
| 35% | Subcontractors not registered with Revenue, or with serious compliance issues |
The principal contractor deducts RCT at the rate Revenue gives for each payment. As a subcontractor, the tax taken counts as a credit against your own tax bill, and any excess can be refunded. Keeping your affairs up to date is the best way to stay on 0%.
Losing money to 35% RCT?
We get your Revenue record in order so you move to the lowest rate, and claim back what was over-deducted.
Get help with RCTExpenses tradespeople often miss
- Capital allowances on your van, at 12.5% a year over 8 years
- Tools, ladders and small equipment
- Protective clothing and safety boots
- Training courses, Safe Pass and trade body subscriptions
- Phone, insurance and the business share of fuel and repairs
See the full list in self-employed tax deductions.
Frequently asked questions
What is RCT in construction?
Relevant Contracts Tax is a withholding tax. Principal contractors deduct it from payments to subcontractors and pay it to Revenue through eRCT.
Does reverse charge VAT apply to me?
Where a VAT-registered principal contractor pays a subcontractor for construction services under RCT, the principal accounts for the VAT, not the subcontractor.
Should I be a sole trader or a limited company?
Once profits are steady and high, a company can save tax. Read sole trader vs limited company and our sole trader service.
What does it cost?
A fixed monthly fee based on your turnover and how much bookkeeping you need. See our accountant fees.
Talk to a Chartered Accountant
Book a free 30-minute business check. You get a clear fixed fee before any work starts.
