If you work as a subcontractor in the construction industry and have CIS deductions taken from your payments, you will usually need to submit a Self Assessment tax return each year.
A CIS tax return allows you to declare your income, claim allowable expenses and recover any overpaid tax. Many subcontractors are entitled to tax refunds but fail to claim the full amount they’re owed.
For most subcontractors, Self Assessment tax returns must be submitted by 31 January following the end of the tax year.
Missing the deadline can result in automatic HMRC penalties and interest charges, which is why many subcontractors choose professional support.
Our specialist CIS tax return service takes care of everything from start to finish.
Whether you’re filing your first return or have years of missing returns to catch up on, we’ll guide you through the process and deal directly with HMRC on your behalf.
Already have an accountant? We’ll handle the switch for you at no extra cost. We contact your previous accountant, collect the information we need and ensure a smooth handover.
Late filing penalties start at £100 and can increase significantly over time. We keep track of deadlines and ensure your return is submitted accurately and on time.
Our support doesn’t end when your tax return has been submitted. You’ll have year-round access to our team for advice on allowable expenses, future tax returns, bookkeeping and general tax queries.
Many subcontractors overpay tax during the year. We review your income, CIS deductions and allowable expenses to ensure you claim every penny you’re entitled to.
Fill in your details and we’ll arrange a free, no-obligation call at a time that suits you. Whether you’re ready to switch accountants or just exploring your options, our team is here to help.
A key part of working with the Self Assessment system is understanding what expenses you can claim for. This is an area where a lot of people on Self Assessment miss out, and end up paying too much tax. Examples of allowable expenses in construction include:
Work-related travel expenses that can be expensed include public transport, private vehicle mileage, taxis, air and rail travel, accommodation, meals, and conference fees, as long as the travel is for business purposes and proper receipts are kept. Commuting and personal travel are not claimable.
Essential work tools and equipment that can be expensed include items like computers, software, mobile phones, uniforms, and specialized tools, as long as they are necessary for job duties and supported by receipts. Personal items are not claimable.
Work-related materials that can be expensed include items like office supplies, stationery, business-related subscriptions, raw materials for production, and any other consumables directly needed for job tasks.
General costs that can be expensed include office rent, utilities, stationary, business insurance, marketing, phone/internet bills for work, and professional fees, as long as they are necessary for the business and supported by receipts.
In the UK, accountancy fees can be expensed if they are for business-related services, such as tax returns or financial advice, and must be supported by invoices.
For people in the building trade, CIS tax returns are a fact of life. Making a mistake when filing your CIS tax return online could lead to you paying way too much tax on your pay. Here at CloudAccountant, our experts are on hand to manage your CIS tax returns hassle-free.
Getting paid through the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) means that your contractor has to take out a substantial amount of your pay before you get it. This money then goes straight to the HMRC, and is supposed to act as “advance payment” toward the tax and National Insurance you’ll owe. This is the law, and your contractor doesn’t have any choice about it.
For the subcontractor, this can be pretty painful. Effectively, you’re being taxed right from the first penny you earn, without getting your tax-free Personal Allowance. This is supposed to help crack down on tax evasion in the construction industry, but it means that honest subcontractors end up carrying the load.
The good news is that you can claim back the extra tax you’ve paid in your Self Assessment tax return. Despite having 20% of your money taken by HMRC, you still have to file a return. If you’ve paid too much tax, you’ll get this back as a tax refund.
Whatever service you choose, you’ll benefit from a proactive, technology-driven accounting service designed to save you time, reduce stress, and help your business grow.
Get direct access to a qualified accountant who understands your business. Whether you need advice, answers to a tax question, or support with a business decision, we’re only a phone call, email or video meeting away.
As accredited partners of Xero and FreeAgent, we’ll help you choose the right platform, set everything up, migrate your data, and provide full training. Access your finances anytime, anywhere, with real-time visibility over your business performance.
We don’t just file your returns. We proactively review your business throughout the year to identify legitimate tax-saving opportunities and help ensure you’re not paying more tax than necessary.
When you have a question, you need a response quickly. Our team provides prompt, professional support so you can keep your business moving without unnecessary delays.
One simple monthly /weekly payment (service-dependent) covers the services you need, helping you budget with confidence and avoid unexpected accounting bills.
If you’re joining us from another accountant, we’ll handle the transfer process on your behalf, ensuring a smooth and stress-free transition.
If you’re a subcontractor registered under the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS), you’re classed as self-employed and must file a Self Assessment tax return each year. This allows HMRC to calculate if you’re owed a tax refund – especially since 20% is typically deducted at source. We can manage the entire process for you, ensuring everything is accurate and submitted on time.
Yes! We specialise in helping subcontractors claim back overpaid tax. We’ll make sure all allowable expenses are included – such as tools, materials, mileage, and work-related travel – so you get back every penny you’re owed from HMRC.
Missing the 31st January deadline can result in penalties from HMRC. When you work with CloudAccountant.co.uk, we’ll ensure your CIS tax return is prepared and submitted well ahead of time – keeping you compliant and avoiding unnecessary fines.
We offer a fixed-fee CIS tax return service with no hidden charges. For that, we’ll register you with HMRC (if needed), prepare and file your return, claim any refund due, and provide year-round advice and aftercare. You’ll never need to speak to HMRC directly – we act as your authorised agent.
