🏗️ Construction accounting
Accounting software built for UK builders and contractors
CIS deductions, MTD VAT and subcontractor statements — handled from the same platform you use for invoicing and bank reconciliation. No bolt-on CIS module, no manual bridging.
Built for how construction businesses work
From the first subcontractor payment to year-end, Marchant tracks the numbers HMRC needs without slowing down the job.
CIS deduction tracking
Log subcontractor payments, calculate deductions at 0%, 20% or 30%, and generate payment and deduction statements — all from the verification status you record for each subcontractor.
MTD VAT for contractors
Prepare quarterly VAT returns in MTD-compatible software — no spreadsheet bridging, no third-party bridge. Direct submission to HMRC is pending production approval.
Open Banking bank feeds
Import your bank statement so site payments, materials purchases and subcontractor costs are matched to invoices and expenses. Live bank feeds are coming soon.
Subcontractor invoicing
Issue invoices with the correct CIS treatment already applied. Domestic reverse charge VAT is handled at the invoice level so your accounts stay clean.
Payroll via BrightPay
Coming soon: payroll data synced from BrightPay, so PAYE, National Insurance and RTI submissions sit alongside your CIS entries in one ledger.
European site work
UK contractors get CIS and MTD in one place. For projects in Germany or France, ELSTER and Chorus Pro arrive with the 2028 launches — until then those stay with your local accountant.
Free tool
Free CIS Deduction Calculator
Calculate the CIS deduction on any subcontractor payment — gross, verified (20%) or unverified (30%) — and download a payment and deduction statement with the details HMRC requires.
How Marchant compares to Xero for construction
Xero is widely used in construction. Marchant matches UK essentials and adds native CIS tracking in a single subscription, with direct MTD submission pending HMRC production approval — French and German compliance arrives with the 2028 launch.
Construction accounting — frequently asked questions
- Do I need specialist software for CIS?
- You need software that records CIS payments, calculates deductions at the correct rate (0%, 20% or 30%) and generates payment and deduction statements for subcontractors. Marchant does this within the main accounting ledger — no separate CIS add-on.
- What is the CIS monthly return (CIS300)?
- CIS300 is the monthly return that contractors submit to HMRC showing all subcontractor payments and deductions in the previous tax month (6th to 5th). It is due by the 19th of each month. Marchant prepares the data from the CIS entries already recorded in your ledger.
- Is MTD compulsory for construction businesses?
- Yes. VAT-registered construction businesses must keep digital records and submit VAT returns using MTD-compatible software. Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self Assessment (MTD ITSA) is also being phased in for sole-trader subcontractors above the income threshold.
- What is domestic reverse charge VAT in construction?
- The domestic reverse charge (DRC) applies to most construction services supplied between VAT-registered businesses in the supply chain. Instead of the supplier charging VAT, the customer accounts for it. Marchant applies DRC treatment at the invoice level so your VAT return reflects the correct position.
- Can I use Marchant for a UK construction company with EU sites?
- For the UK side, yes — CIS and MTD VAT are covered in one subscription. German ELSTER filing and French Chorus Pro invoicing are part of the 2028 launches, so EU sites still need a local tool or accountant until then.
CIS compliance without the spreadsheets
Start a free trial. CIS tracking, MTD VAT and subcontractor statements are included from day one.