The Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) is one of the most complex areas of UK tax, and getting it wrong can result in significant penalties. Whether you're a contractor, subcontractor, or both, this guide covers everything you need to know.
Who Does CIS Apply To?
Contractors must register if they:
- Pay subcontractors for construction work
- Spend more than £3m on construction in 3 years
- Are a property developer or housing association
Subcontractors must register if they:
- Do construction work for a contractor
- Want to avoid the 30% unregistered deduction rate
- Want to apply for gross payment status
CIS Deduction Rates Explained
When a contractor pays a subcontractor, they must deduct CIS tax from the labour element of the payment (not materials). The rate depends on the subcontractor's registration status:
0%
Gross Payment Status
Subcontractor receives full payment. Must apply to HMRC and meet strict criteria.
20%
Registered Subcontractor
Standard rate for subcontractors registered with HMRC under CIS.
30%
Unregistered
Applied when HMRC cannot verify the subcontractor. Avoid this at all costs.
Monthly CIS Returns: What Contractors Must Do
As a contractor, you must submit a CIS monthly return to HMRC by the 19th of each month (or 22nd if paying electronically). The return must include:
- 01Verify each subcontractor
Before making the first payment, you must verify the subcontractor with HMRC to confirm their registration status and deduction rate.
- 02Calculate the deduction
Deduct CIS tax from the labour element only. Materials, VAT, and equipment hire are excluded from the deduction calculation.
- 03Provide a payment and deduction statement
Give each subcontractor a written statement showing the gross payment, deduction made, and net payment.
- 04Submit the monthly return
File online via HMRC's CIS online service or through your accounting software. Nil returns must also be submitted.
- 05Pay the deductions to HMRC
Pay the deducted amounts to HMRC by the 19th of the following month (22nd if paying electronically).
Gross Payment Status: How to Qualify
Gross payment status (GPS) allows subcontractors to receive full payment without CIS deductions — a significant cash flow benefit. To qualify, you must pass three tests:
Business test
You must be carrying on a construction business in the UK, either as a sole trader, partnership, or company.
Turnover test
Net construction turnover (excluding materials and VAT) must be at least £30,000 per year for sole traders, or £30,000 per director/partner for companies.
Compliance test
You must have a good compliance record with HMRC — all tax returns filed on time, all tax paid on time, for the previous 12 months.
Reclaiming CIS Deductions
If you're a subcontractor having CIS deducted, you can reclaim the deductions against your tax liability. For limited companies, this is done through the Corporation Tax return. For sole traders, it's claimed through Self Assessment.
Many construction businesses in Essex are owed significant CIS refunds — sometimes thousands of pounds — that they're not claiming. Our accounting and tax team specialises in CIS refund claims and can often recover money going back several years.
CIS Penalties: What to Avoid
CIS Specialists in Essex
Our construction accounting team handles CIS returns, subcontractor verification, and refund claims for builders and tradespeople across Essex. Let us take the admin off your hands.