What is the CIS scheme all about then
The Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) is HMRC’s way of collecting tax from self-employed construction workers. If you're paid under CIS, your contractor deducts 20% (sometimes 30% if you're not registered) from your pay and sends it to HMRC on your behalf. You can then claim a CIS refund
Do I have to register for CIS?
If you're self-employed and working in construction, yes. If not, you might be taxed at 30% instead of 20% in construction industry scheme deductions
What do I need to give you to start my CIS reclaim?
Your UTR number, ID, CIS statements (or payslips), details of expenses, and your bank info. Don’t worry, we make it easy.
What's a UTR number?
Your Unique Taxpayer Reference – a 10-digit number HMRC gives you when you register as self-employed. Like a National Insurance number, but for tax stuff. NO UTR NO CIS REFUND
Can I claim for travel costs for my CIS reclaim?
Yes! If you travel to different sites, you can claim mileage, public transport, even parking.
What about food?
You can sometimes claim meals if you’re working away from home or at a temp site. No, Greggs receipts don't always count.
Can I claim for tools and gear?
Absolutely. Hammers, drills, hi-vis, boots – if it helps you do your job, it counts.
Can I claim for my van?
You sure can. Fuel, insurance, servicing – we’ll help you tot it all up in the CIS refund form.
How much could I get back when I claim CIS?
It varies, but most people get between £1,000–£3,000. We’ve seen some lads get even more!
Do I need receipts for everything to get a construction tax refund?
Receipts help, but we can work with mileage logs, estimates, and other records too.
What are allowable expenses for claiming CIS back?
Basically anything that helps you do your job – travel, tools, PPE, training, even phone bills.
Can I claim rent if I stay away for work?
Yep, if you had to stay somewhere for a job, you can usually claim it in your HMRC CIS tax refund.
What about clothes?
If it’s work-specific – like safety boots, overalls, hi-vis – you can claim it for your CIS tax rebate. Your Saturday night jeans? Not so much.
Can I get help in plain English?
You're reading it! We don’t do jargon, just straight talk about your CIS tax reclaim.
Can I claim my accountant fees?
If they’re related to your self-employment, yes.
Can I claim mobile phone costs?
Yes, if you use it for work – even just a percentage.
What’s the deal with training and courses and my CIS claim?
If it’s job-related, you can claim it. First aid, CSCS cards, etc.
Can I claim a CIS rebate for using my home as an office?
If you do paperwork, store tools, or run your business from home, you can claim a bit for that back off your CIS deductions. We’ll help calculate it.
Can I claim broadband or Wi-Fi?
If you use it for work, yep. We’ll work out what percentage applies.
My partner helps with paperwork – can I claim CIS refund for that?
Potentially! If they genuinely do admin work for you, we can explore claiming for their time.
Can I claim for protective gear like gloves and goggles?
Yep – anything that keeps you safe and on the job counts.
I work nights – can I still claim for meals and travel?
Yes! Night shifts don’t stop the rebate train.
Can I claim fuel if I don’t have receipts?
We can use mileage logs instead – HMRC accepts that.
Do I need to tell my contractor I’m claiming?
Nope. It’s between you, us, and HMRC.
I live in a van. Can I claim that?
If it’s your mobile site office, maybe. Let’s discuss.
What about stationery or postage for my CIS repayment claim?
If it’s for work admin, chuck it on the list.
I’ve got kids – can I claim CIS rebate against childcare ?
Sadly not. But we’ll help you maximise everything else.
Can I backdate my expenses?
If they fall within the last 4 tax years, yes!
Do I have to pay tax on my CIS rebate?
Nope. It’s just your own money coming back.
Do you speak other languages?
We’ve got team members who do. Tell us what you need.