If you’re a painter or decorator working under CIS, there’s a strong chance you’ve overpaid tax without realising it.

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Under the Construction Industry Scheme, contractors deduct 20% or even 30% tax from your payments before you get paid. But these deductions don’t take your expenses or personal allowance into account, which means many painters and decorators are owed money back.

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The good news is that you can claim a CIS rebate and recover what you’ve overpaid. With TIK Tax, the process is simple, fast, and handled for you from start to finish.

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Start your CIS rebate today and find out how much you can claim

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What Is CIS and How Does It Work for Painters?

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The Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) is a UK tax system for subcontractors working in construction — including painters and decorators.

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Instead of paying tax at the end of the year, contractors deduct it directly from your pay:

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• 20% if you’re registered for CIS
• 30% if you’re not registered

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These deductions are sent to HMRC on your behalf. However, they are advance payments towards your tax bill, not your final amount.

That’s why many painters end up due a CIS tax refund once everything is calculated properly.

Why Painters & Decorators Often Overpay Tax

CIS is designed to simplify tax collection, but it often leads to overpayment for tradespeople.

This happens because:

• Your expenses aren’t considered in deductions
• Your tax-free personal allowance isn’t applied monthly
• You may be charged a higher rate than necessary

As a result, many painters and decorators pay more tax than they actually owe and the only way to get it back is by submitting a tax return.

This is why CIS rebates for painters are so common

What Expenses Can Painters & Decorators Claim?

One of the biggest reasons you may be owed a rebate is because of the expenses you can claim.

Common allowable expenses include:

• Tools and equipment
• Paints and materials (if you supply them)
• Workwear and protective clothing
• Travel to and from job sites
• Fuel and vehicle costs
• Van expenses and maintenance
• Public liability insurance
• Mobile phone (work-related use)

The more legitimate expenses you claim, the lower your taxable income and the higher your potential refund.

How Much CIS Tax Refund Can You Get?

There’s no fixed amount when it comes to CIS rebates, as every claim is different.

Your refund will depend on:

• How much you’ve earned
• How much CIS tax has been deducted
• The expenses you claim

However, many painters and decorators receive refunds ranging from £1,000 to £5,000+.

Find out how much you can claim with a free estimate

How to Claim Your CIS Rebate

Claiming your CIS rebate involves submitting a Self Assessment tax return to HMRC.

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Here’s how it works:

1. Provide your details (UTR, income, expenses)
2. Calculate your total earnings and deductions
3. Submit your tax return to HMRC
4. Receive your refund directly from HMRC

While it sounds straightforward, mistakes or missed expenses can reduce your rebate.

That’s why many subcontractors choose to use a CIS rebate specialist.

Common CIS Issues for Painters & Decorators

Many painters run into problems with CIS without even knowing it.

These include:

• Being overcharged tax by contractors
• Missing CIS payments not recorded correctly
• Not claiming all allowable expenses
• Paying more tax than necessary

If any of these apply to you, there’s a good chance you’re owed money back.

How Long Does a CIS Refund Take?

Once your tax return has been submitted, most CIS refunds are processed within 2 to 8 weeks.

The exact timeframe depends on HMRC, but using a specialist can help ensure your claim is submitted correctly the first time, avoiding delays.

Get Help With Your CIS Rebate

Claiming your CIS rebate doesn’t have to be complicated.

At TIK Tax, we make it simple:

• Free estimate to see how much you can claim
• We handle your entire tax return
• Ensure you claim everything you’re entitled to
• Fast, stress-free process

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Most painters and decorators are owed money — the only question is how much.

Start your CIS rebate today
Find out how much you can claimGet your free quote now

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