22 May 2023HMRC is seeking views on measures designed to simply and strengthen the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS). A consultation on the issue considers whether it would be appropriate to add VAT to the list of taxes HMRC must consider when undertaking the statutory compliance test for receiving or keeping Gross Payment Status (GPS). The current CIS legislation does not allow VAT to be taken into account as part of the compliance test, which HMRC says brings a risk that traders who are not fulfilling their VAT obligations nonetheless are being given GPS. HMRC is also seeking views in relation to how adding VAT could be given effect and the consequences for those affected. Additionally, the consultation invites views on whether there are areas of the CIS that cause 'unnecessary administrative burdens'. The consultation is running for 12 weeks and ends on 20 July 2023.