CIS warning: how you should prepare for it

Against the advice of the Association, which believes that the introduction of the scheme is premature, HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has made the decision that it is to go ahead.

The ECA has formulated a list of actions that members are advised to take on board in order to prepare for the scheme’s introduction.

Members should study the HMRC guide to the scheme – CIS 340 and fact sheets CIS 341-349. They should also register now if intending to return forms electronically in future, as the ECA thinks there may be long delays when the scheme is launched.

Every advantage must also be taken of HMRC seminars and training sessions that might be available (watch out for advertisements in local press) and members should contact their software service suppliers to find out whether they are planning to accommodate the new scheme in their products or not. This lack of suitable software and the time required to design, test manufacture and market such software has always been a prime concern of the ECA.

Finally, visit the web site www.new-cis.com for information – the CIS fact sheets are available to download. Keep an eye out for further updates in ECA circulars and on the Association’s web site www.eca.co.uk.