New CHC Commercial Partners: Introducing Cubed Tax

Why did you choose to become a CHC commercial partner?

Whilst attending the CHC Finance Conference in October 2025, it was evident from speaking to delegates that there was a need for advice, training and improved knowledge on taxation.

Cubed Tax was created to empower the third sector by providing advice, training and support. Our training packages cover a broad range of subjects and are a great way to upskill and build confidence, ultimately improving compliance and minimising risk and cost. They can be tailored to the business or need and delivered virtually or in person, offering great value for money.

We have 5 VAT advisors who have chosen to specialise their advice in the third sector – something we really feel would benefit Welsh Housing Associations. We would strive to represent CHC at the Land & Property Liaison Group, which provides an opportunity for HMRC and nominated representatives from trade bodies with an interest in VAT issues relating to land, property and construction to exchange views, discuss pertinent matters, and consolidate HMRC’s understanding of its customers. All learnings from this and other tax updates would be fed back via Welsh RSLs at a regular joint, specific event for CHC members.

What services do you offer?

Our service philosophy centres on deep technical expertise and genuine flexibility, tailoring precise, detailed technical tax advice to client-specific needs. This approach is engineered to minimise operational costs and time expenditure while ensuring the highest standard of regulatory compliance.

Complementing our technical advice is a comprehensive, optional suite of services allowing clients to build a value-driven support package. Our current offering includes:

• Tailored Tax Advice: Bespoke guidance for specific circumstances.
• All Taxes Helpline: Accessible resource for immediate queries.
• Regular Review Meetings: Proactive tax position management.
• Annual VAT Return Review: Detailed compliance check.
• Tri-Annual Tax Cube: Specialised, in-depth sector updates.
• Training: Multi-client, virtual, and bespoke sessions on VAT, Corporation Tax, Employment Tax, and CIS.
• HMRC Visit Support and Attendance: Expert assistance during official enquiries.
• Corporation Tax: Full compliance and advisory support.
• Employment Tax Advisory: Specialised guidance on payroll and employment-related tax matters.

What contact have you had with the social housing sector so far?

Cubed Tax is deeply committed to the housing sector, partnering with 50 housing associations, including 8 in Wales, which provides a deep understanding of the sector's complex tax landscape. We move beyond one-to-one consultation by fostering collective learning through our regular 'Tax Cube' webinars—a confidential, peer-to-peer forum for accessing updates and sharing critical insights. We proactively share knowledge at key industry events, like the CHC Finance Conference, to collectively elevate taxation confidence and support attendees in sharpening tax compliance and efficiency.

What are the key opportunities for the social housing sector in Wales and what role do you see your organisation playing in helping associations make the most of them?

The government has announced that it will be consulting on reform to VAT rules to incentivise development on land for social housing. Currently, land can only be zero-rated once a residential construction reaches the ‘golden brick’ stage. This is because there is a building ‘clearly under construction’. Making arrangements to meet this criteria can sometimes result in delays, complexities and increased costs.

It would be beneficial if the rules could be changed to enable the zero-rating position to be available on land transfers before ‘golden brick’. This would remove complexities around whether the landowner or housing association suffers the VAT cost on the transfer of the land.

Cubed Tax will engage with HMRC and HM Treasury on behalf of CHC in relation to the details of this measure. Cubed Tax and CHC will draft a response to the consultation on behalf of RSLs in Wales.

The potential changes ahead could change how development occurs in Wales. There will be knock-on effects; for example RSLs may incur additional VAT on professional fees where land is acquired earlier. Cubed Tax will help organisations to analyse the position and consider other options that may be available to further reduce costs e.g. utilising design and build arrangements.

In addition, there are significant opportunities to reduce costs in other areas; for example, we continually see VAT reliefs not being applied by suppliers and VAT recovery not being maximised through VAT returns. With our hands-on support, we can help with reaching the optimal position.

Furthermore, we are observing significant attention from HMRC towards the sector through risk review, CIS review and National Minimum Wage reviews. We can help you in advance of or during these reviews to help with maximising compliance.