What is a Notice of Intent to Lien (NOI)?

A sworn statement is a legal document used in construction projects that lists all contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers providing labor or materials for a project. When signed, it serves as a sworn declaration that the information provided is complete and accurate, meaning the signer is swearing under oath that no parties other than those listed need to be paid for work on the project. 

Sworn statements include detailed financial information for each party, such as contract amounts, previous payments, current amounts due, and remaining balances. Because these statements are made under oath, providing false information can result in perjury charges.

For subcontractors, sworn statements create transparency in the payment process, ideally to help prevent payment disputes. They’re typically submitted alongside payment applications, especially when requesting final payment. While not required in most states, Michigan and Illinois mandate sworn statements for all construction projects, with Michigan requiring a specific standardized form. Submitting sworn statements proactively—even when not explicitly required—can build trust with general contractors (GCs) and often results in faster payments. However, accuracy is critical; any discrepancies with sworn statements can have the opposite effect—delayed payments and damaged relationships. Check out this blog post for more tips on managing sworn statements.

Siteline can simplify the sworn statement process through integrations with popular construction accounting systems like Sage 300 CRE, Sage 100, Sage Intacct, Spectrum, and Vista. These integrations automatically pull accounts payable (A/P) information to complete sworn statements and subcontractor affidavits accurately, preventing costly errors and delays. See for yourself—book a no-obligation demo of Siteline today.

A Pay-if-Paid Clause is a contractual agreement prevalent in the construction industry. Generally, this clause can be found in subcontracts between the General Contractor(GC) and their subcontractors. According to the clause, the GC is not obliged to pay the subcontractors unless and until they themselves have received full payment from the project owner. Therefore, it effectively transfers the risk of the project owner's insolvency from the GC to their subcontractors. It serves as a protection for the GC against financial instability. This type of clause has its controversies, as some jurisdictions view it as unfair to subcontractors due to the assignment of financial risk.

A deduction in the construction industry refers to a reduction or subtraction of expenses or costs incurred during a construction project. Typical deductions may include costs of materials, labor, damage repairs or maintenance, and professional fees such as architect or engineer services. It is essential for construction businesses to keep track of these expenses as they can be beneficially used for tax deduction purposes. The aim is to lower the overall taxable income, resulting in a reduced tax bill. However, it is crucial to ensure that all deductions comply with laws and regulations to prevent any potential legal implications.