Free Guide · Construction

Bookkeeping, Taxes & Payroll for Construction Businesses

GCs and builders deal with progress billing, retainage, subs, and equipment — construction accounting is its own discipline, and we speak it.

Why Your Books Are Different

The Construction Money Challenges We See Every Week

Progress billing & retainage

Money earned isn't money received. Tracking billed vs. earned vs. held retainage keeps your cash flow honest.

Work in progress (WIP)

Long jobs spanning months need WIP tracking or your profit shows up in the wrong period — and surprises you at tax time.

Subs, insurance & compliance

COIs, W-9s, 1099s, and certified payroll on public jobs — the paper trail is half the business.

Deductions Checklist

What Construction Businesses Commonly Deduct

Every legitimate deduction you're entitled to — captured, documented, and defended. Here's where we look first:

  • Heavy equipment & depreciation (Section 179/bonus)
  • Subcontractor payments
  • Permits & licenses
  • Bonding & insurance premiums
  • Job-site trailers & storage
  • Fuel & vehicle fleet
  • Safety gear & training

How Relevate helps construction businesses

  • Monthly bookkeeping — categorized, reconciled, and job-aware
  • Tax preparation & planning — business and personal, filed right
  • Sales tax — calculated, filed, and paid on schedule
  • Payroll — your team paid correctly, every time
  • English y Español — full service in your language
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Common Questions

Construction Owners Ask Us

How does sales tax work on construction jobs in NY?

It hinges on capital improvement vs. repair/maintenance. The ST-124 certificate exempts qualifying jobs — we'll build the decision into your quoting.

What is retainage and how do I book it?

It's the held-back percentage until job completion. We track it as its own receivable so you always know what's still owed.

Should I buy or finance equipment for the write-off?

Depends on cash flow and this year's income. We model Section 179 vs. spreading depreciation before you sign.

This guide is general education, not individualized tax or legal advice — your situation is unique, which is exactly why the first call is free.

Ready for books built for construction?

Free consultation — English y Español. We already know your industry.