Get back the CIS tax you've overpaid
Contractors take 20% from every payment. Once your expenses and allowance are counted, many subcontractors are owed money back.
Why so many CIS workers are due a refund
Under the Construction Industry Scheme, contractors deduct tax at 20% (or 30% if you're not registered) before they pay you.
That deduction ignores your tax-free Personal Allowance of £12,570 and every cost of doing your job. Your Self Assessment return puts both back in, and the difference comes back to you.
- Paid before deductions
- £32,000
- CIS deducted at 20%
- £6,400
- Allowable expenses
- -£5,500
- Profit after expenses
- £26,500
- Income tax actually due
- -£2,786
- Class 4 National Insurance due
- -£836
- Refund
- £2,778
Estimate your CIS refund
Enter your figures for the 2025/26 tax year. The estimate updates as you type.
We'll confirm the exact amount once we've seen your statements, and often find expenses people forget.
Costs that increase your refund
Every allowable expense lowers your profit, and every pound of profit you don't pay tax on comes back to you.
Tools and equipment
Power tools, hand tools, repairs and replacements.
Travel
Mileage to temporary sites, parking and tolls. Not your commute to one permanent site.
Van and vehicle
Fuel, insurance and servicing, or 45p a mile for the first 10,000 miles.
Workwear and PPE
Hi-vis, boots, hard hats, gloves and branded clothing.
Phone and admin
The business share of your phone, accountancy fees and stationery.
Training and cards
CSCS cards, courses and certificates you need for the job.
Paperwork for a CIS claim
Send what you have, even if it's photos on your phone.
- CIS payment and deduction statements
One from each contractor, for each month you worked. - Proof of your expenses
Receipts, invoices, bank statements or a mileage log. - Your UTR and National Insurance number
Your UTR is the 10-digit number on letters from HMRC. - P45s and your P60
Only if you were also employed during the year.
How much is the average CIS tax refund?
It depends on what you earned and spent, but our clients' average is around £3,500. Use the estimator above for a rough figure based on your own numbers.
How far back can I claim a CIS refund?
Up to four tax years. The 2022/23 tax year can still be claimed until 5 April 2027.
I'm on 30%. Can I still claim?
Yes. If you're not registered for CIS, contractors take 30%, so you're often owed even more back. We can also register you so future deductions drop to 20%.
I've lost my CIS statements. What now?
Don't worry. As your agent we can request the payment and deduction figures HMRC holds for you.
Let's get your CIS money back
Send us your statements by WhatsApp or email and we'll do the rest within 72 hours.