PRACTICAL, SOURCE-LINKED EXPLAINERS
Guides for construction subcontractors
Clear working guides for payment administration, tax checks and pricing. Each guide links the relevant official sources and the TradeKit tools that support the task.
How construction payment applications work in the UK
A practical guide to preparing a construction payment application, supporting your valuation and keeping a clear record of what you have applied for.
Read guide ↗What is a construction payment notice?
Understand what a payment notice does, what amount and basis it should show, and why dates, service and contract terms matter.
Read guide ↗What is a pay less notice?
A plain-English guide to pay less notices in construction, including timing, stated sums, service and the limits of a date checker.
Read guide ↗Construction payment deadlines explained
Map the due date, payment notice deadline and final date for payment from your construction subcontract without assuming standard terms apply.
Read guide ↗How retention works in construction
Learn how construction retention is withheld and released, what to check in a subcontract, and why the contract controls the figures.
Read guide ↗How CIS deductions work for subcontractors
See how a contractor calculates a CIS deduction, what material costs may be excluded and how to check your HMRC status.
Read guide ↗VAT domestic reverse charge for construction explained
Check the main HMRC conditions for the construction VAT domestic reverse charge, customer notifications and invoice handling.
Read guide ↗What to do when a contractor has not paid you
A practical record-keeping and escalation checklist for overdue construction payments, from checking notices to considering commercial debt remedies.
Read guide ↗How to price a construction job
Build a cost-based subcontract price by counting labour, materials, plant, travel and overhead before choosing a target margin.
Read guide ↗Guides last reviewed 7 October 2026. Payment and tax rules can change; check the linked official guidance and your contract before acting.