Accounting for reverse charge VAT

Domestic reverse charge is a way of accounting for VAT in the construction and other industries to help prevent fraud.

Drill through your DRC VAT calculations with Xero.

A desktop computer displays a tax invoice with domestic reverse charge VAT calculations automatically applied.

Prepare for reverse charge VAT

Domestic reverse charge is a government initiative that changes how some businesses handle and pay VAT.

Two people with hard hats discuss a construction project they’re working on.

Securing VAT system against fraud

Domestic reverse charge VAT was introduced to reduce opportunities for sophisticated criminal fraud.

Suppliers show DRC VAT on invoices

Subcontractors and suppliers of specified services show VAT on invoices but don’t account for it in returns.

Customers record VAT in returns

Contractors and customers who receive specified services account for VAT in MTD VAT returns.

Who domestic reverse charge affects

Domestic reverse charge (DRC) regulations apply to VAT on the supply and purchase of certain goods and services, including construction.

See which goods and services reverse charge applies to
A construction project manager and their accountant discuss domestic reverse charge VAT.

Manage reverse charge VAT with Xero

Automatically show DRC VAT in invoices, and record it on MTD VAT returns with Xero’s reverse charge software.

Learn more about how Xero helps with domestic reverse charges
A screen shows a tax invoice with domestic reverse charge shown

More about domestic reverse charge

CIS subcontractors don’t charge VAT to their CIS customers. Instead, their invoices need to state that the customer is responsible for VAT and show the VAT rate that applies on items.

See how to send DRC invoices as a subcontractor

CIS subcontractors don’t charge VAT to their CIS customers. Instead, their invoices need to state that the customer is responsible for VAT and show the VAT rate that applies on items.

See how to send DRC invoices as a subcontractor

When CIS contractors get a bill from a CIS subcontractor, they need to report both the input and output VAT on that bill in their MTD VAT return.

See how Xero handles DRC in VAT returns for contractors

When CIS contractors get a bill from a CIS subcontractor, they need to report both the input and output VAT on that bill in their MTD VAT return.

See how Xero handles DRC in VAT returns for contractors

Domestic reverse charge VAT may influence your cash flow. Affected suppliers and subcontractors no longer get VAT payments from customers, while affected customers and contractors may see short-term cash flow benefits.

Domestic reverse charge VAT may influence your cash flow. Affected suppliers and subcontractors no longer get VAT payments from customers, while affected customers and contractors may see short-term cash flow benefits.

Get your questions answered in Xero’s handy free guide. Find out what domestic reverse charge VAT is, how it affects you, how to prepare for it, and how Xero can help you along the way.

Open the guide to domestic reverse charge VAT for construction

Get your questions answered in Xero’s handy free guide. Find out what domestic reverse charge VAT is, how it affects you, how to prepare for it, and how Xero can help you along the way.

Open the guide to domestic reverse charge VAT for construction

Set up for reverse charge VAT with Xero

Xero helps you comply with domestic reverse charge (DRC) regulations when you send invoices and submit VAT returns.

Add preset DRC tax rates to Xero

Activate the DRC tax rates for Xero to use in invoices and tax returns.

See how to add DRC tax rates

Show a DRC disclaimer on invoices

Xero automatically adds a disclaimer to standard invoices. Otherwise, add it manually.

See how to apply a DRC disclaimer

Sign up for MTD for VAT

Sign up with HMRC and connect Xero to HMRC so you can file MTD VAT returns online.

See how to file MTD VAT returns

Use Xero for domestic reverse charge VAT

Access Xero features for 30 days, then decide which plan best suits your business.

Explore more about domestic reverse charge

Get in-depth information about domestic reverse charge VAT at the UK government website.

Guide to reverse charge procedures

Certain VAT domestic reverse charge procedures apply when you buy or sell specific goods and services.

Find out about VAT procedures for specific goods and services

Reverse charge VAT for construction

Find out about VAT domestic reverse charge for suppliers of building and construction services.

Learn about reverse charge VAT for the construction industry

Reverse charge technical guide

Get technical information about VAT reverse charges if you buy or sell building and construction services.

Read the technical guide for domestic reverse charge VAT