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VAT Reverse Charge Checker

Answer a few questions about your construction invoice to find out whether the domestic reverse charge applies — and get the right wording if it does.

DRC decision worksheet

VAT-DRC REF
Q1 — Are both parties UK VAT-registered?
Q2 — Is the supply reported under CIS?
If the work falls within CIS-defined construction operations and both parties are CIS-registered.
Q3 — VAT rate that would normally apply
Q4 — Is the customer an end user or intermediary supplier who has given written notification?
An end user receives the construction service for their own use and doesn't sell it on. This must be confirmed in writing to apply.
Invoice amount (optional)
£
Reverse charge applies
Based on your answers, do not charge VAT on this invoice. The customer accounts for the VAT directly to HMRC.
"Reverse charge: customer to account for the VAT to HMRC"
Rules checked · 2026

How the domestic reverse charge works

Since 1 March 2021, the VAT domestic reverse charge (DRC) has applied to most standard and reduced-rated construction services reported under CIS, between two UK VAT-registered businesses. Where it applies, the supplier does not charge VAT on the invoice — instead, the customer accounts for the VAT themselves on their own VAT return, as both output tax and input tax where they can fully recover it. This makes it broadly cash-neutral for a fully taxable customer, and closes the door on the "missing trader" VAT fraud the scheme was designed to stop.

The four conditions, all of which must be met

If any one of these isn't met, charge VAT in the normal way instead.

Common questions

What if my customer says they're an end user?

Get it in writing before you invoice. HMRC's recommended wording is available in VAT Notice 735 — once you have written confirmation, charge VAT normally rather than applying the reverse charge.

Does the reverse charge affect CIS deductions?

No — CIS and the DRC are separate. Apply CIS deductions to the labour element as normal; apply the reverse charge decision above to the VAT treatment. They run alongside each other, not instead of one another.

Can I use the VAT Flat Rate Scheme with reverse charge sales?

Reverse charge sales are excluded from the Flat Rate Scheme calculation — for many contractors doing significant DRC work, this makes staying on the Flat Rate Scheme less worthwhile. Worth reviewing with your accountant.

Also check your CIS deduction

The reverse charge only changes how VAT is handled — the CIS labour/materials split and deduction rate still apply separately. Use the CIS Deduction Calculator to work out the deduction on the same invoice.