This is a ridiculously busy time of year with Christmas just finishing. You’re fully focused on getting back to work but if you haven’t already, you need to decide when you’re going to get your 2018-19 CIS tax return done.
When is the CIS tax return deadline?
You only have until midnight on 31st January 2020. It’s only a few weeks away, but if you want to keep yourself as tax efficient as possible it’s best not to leave it until 8am on 31st January to start.
Is it just a loose deadline?
Absolutely not. It’s an HMRC deadline. This is the opposite of ‘loose’. You will be financially penalised if you miss it. And not just a one off £100. You will get substantial accumulating fines that continue to go up until you submit your CIS tax return and pay your tax bill.
Are the penalties really that much?
HMRC penalties for late filing of a tax return are:
- Immediate £100 fine for missing the 31st January deadline, even if it’s in the very next day.
- After you are three months late: £10 per day for 90 days
- After you are six months late: Either 5% of your tax bill or £300 (the bigger amount)
- After you are 12 months late: 5% of tax owed or £300 (the largest figure)
These fines escalate and accumulate over time. So, you get the £100, plus the daily £10, plus the 5% or £300, if you are eight months late.
Then there are additional, separate fines for paying your tax bill late, with interest.
Avoid late penalties
Why waste any of your hard earned cash on unnecessary penalties? Get your CIS tax return to HMRC by 31st January. You don’t want to do it, no one does. It’s best to take the rip of the band aid approach and just dive into it. It won’t be as bad as you think. You already have all your business information, you just have to present it correctly. It is also imperative that you fill in your form with total accuracy. HMRC also have penalties for mistakes.
CIS tax refunds
Your CIS tax return is not all bad news. This is also where you get tax refunds for your work expenses and allowances for the 2018-19 tax year. You need to work out which of the many tax reliefs apply to your situation. For our CIS clients, this usually means: tools, uniforms and safety clothing (steelies), washing uniforms, mileage, membership of professional organisations and mileage. Have a go on our free CIS Tax Rebate Calculator to get your personalised estimate, based on your real figures.
You don’t have to go it alone
Paperwork may not be your strong suit. Or you’re just too busy to focus on it properly. In which case, don’t tackle your CIS tax return yourself you don’t need to. Find out how INSYNC Tax can take care of the whole submission process on your behalf. This way, you know it’s totally accurate and that we’ll maximise your tax efficiency by making sure you don’t miss out on any of your tax relief entitlements. You also know that it’ll be in on time.
