
If you are a self-employed subcontractor working in the UK construction sector under the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS), you may be entitled to a CIS tax refund. Many subcontractors unknowingly overpay tax throughout the year, but with the right guidance, you can legally reclaim this money from HMRC.
At SV&Co Accountancy, we specialise in helping construction workers maximise their refunds quickly and efficiently. This guide explains who is eligible, what can be claimed, and how the refund process works.
The Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) requires contractors to deduct tax from payments made to self-employed subcontractors and submit it to HMRC on their behalf. These deductions are typically made at a flat rate of 20%, or 30% if you are not registered with CIS.
However, these deductions often do not account for your personal allowance or work-related expenses, which leads to overpayment of tax — and that’s where your CIS refund comes in.
You may be eligible to claim a CIS refund if:
Trades commonly claiming CIS refunds include builders, carpenters, electricians, plumbers, roofers, decorators, groundworkers, and other construction-related professionals.
To maximise your refund, it is important to claim all legitimate business-related expenses. These may include:
At SV&Co Accountancy, we ensure that all your claims are compliant with HMRC regulations while maximising your refund.
You must be registered with HMRC for Self Assessment and have a valid UTR (Unique Taxpayer Reference).
You will need the following:
You must submit your tax return for the relevant tax year. The CIS deductions you have suffered will be offset against your final tax liability, and any overpaid tax will be refunded.
Once your return is submitted, HMRC usually processes the refund within 2 to 4 weeks, depending on their workload.
Most subcontractors receive refunds ranging from £1,000 to £3,000, depending on:
Our experienced accountants can calculate your potential refund and ensure you receive the full amount you are entitled to.
Yes. You can claim CIS tax refunds for up to four previous tax years. If you have missed previous claims, we can assist you in recovering those amounts from HMRC.
SV&Co Accountancy, based in Southall, specialises in tax and accountancy services for construction industry professionals. With our tailored approach and industry expertise, we:
We make the process stress-free and efficient — so you can focus on your work while we handle the paperwork.
If you think you have overpaid tax through CIS deductions, do not delay. Let SV&Co Accountancy help you reclaim what is rightfully yours.
SV&Co Accountancy
8 Stanley Road, Southall, UB1 1PA
Email: info.svco@gmail.com
Tel: 07957 946 562
Q: When can I apply for my CIS refund?
You can apply after the end of the tax year, from 6 April onwards.
Q: What if I am not registered for Self Assessment?
You will need to register with HMRC and obtain a UTR before you can submit a tax return and claim a refund.
Q: Is there a deadline for claiming a CIS refund?
Yes. You can claim for up to four years from the end of the relevant tax year.
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