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Construction Industry Scheme · CIS Tax

CIS Tax: We Handle Monthly Compliance So You Avoid Penalties and Errors

From subcontractor verification to monthly returns, we handle your entire CIS setup.

Incorrect filings or missed returns can lead to penalties. Many contractors get this wrong.

HMRC holds you liable

If something is wrong, HMRC comes to you, not the subcontractor.

Wrong deduction = you pay the difference

Over- or under-deduct and HMRC can recover it from you.

See who CIS is for
Setup handled. Filings managed. No missed deadlines.
Monthly
returns required
20% / 30%
deductions applied
£100+
penalties for missed filings
Who it's for

Who Needs to Deal with CIS?

If you pay for construction work or are paid under CIS, the monthly system must be set up correctly.

Contractors

You pay subcontractors for construction work.

Subcontractors

Tax is deducted before you are paid.

Both

You hire subs and also work as a sub.

CIS applies per payment. Small jobs and one-off subcontractors still count.

What it means

What You're Required to Do

CIS requires ongoing monthly compliance, not just setup.

HMRC expects verification, deductions, returns, and statements to be right every month.

Verify subcontractors before paying
Deduct and submit tax to HMRC
File monthly returns (including nil returns)
Issue deduction statements

Late or wrong filings cost money. Penalties stack and incorrect deductions become your liability.

Where it goes wrong

Why contractors get CIS wrong

Small mistakes in deductions or filings can lead to penalties or tax exposure. Most accountants do not manage CIS monthly, so gaps are common. Incorrect setup leads to ongoing compliance issues.

Skipping verification
You become liable when the rate or status is wrong.
Missing monthly returns
Penalties start at £100 and climb fast.
Wrong deduction rates
HMRC recovers shortfalls from you, not the sub.
Labour vs materials errors
You overpay tax or create audit risk.
Ignoring reclaims
Cash sits with HMRC while you fund the job.

Nil returns can still be required when you paid no one. Missing them triggers penalties.

See where your CIS is exposed

We review your setup, flag risk, and spell out what needs fixing.

No obligation. Clear next steps.
Why it matters

What Happens If You Get It Wrong

Penalties
  • £100 penalty for being 1 day late
  • £200+ for continued delay
  • Up to £3,000 for ongoing non-compliance
  • Full liability for incorrect deductions
HMRC holds you responsible

Liability sits with you as the contractor, not the subcontractor.

Compliance risk sits with you
How we help

We Handle CIS End-to-End

Verification, deductions, returns, and statements run every month. We keep the full cycle consistent so you are not chasing HMRC deadlines after hours.

01
Setup
We structure CIS from day one so penalty and liability gaps do not build up.
02
Subcontractor Verification
We verify subcontractors so you are not liable for incorrect deductions.
03
Monthly Returns
We file every CIS return so you never miss deadlines, nil months included.
04
Deduction Handling
We apply the correct rate and evidence so HMRC cannot recover shortfalls from you.
05
Reclaims & Offsets
We reclaim overpaid CIS where possible so cash is not stranded with HMRC.
06
Ongoing Compliance
We run CIS monthly so errors do not stack into a year-end crisis.

No manual tracking. No missed filings. We handle everything.

Want CIS off your plate?

We spell out what we take over and what each month looks like for you.

No obligation. Clear next steps.
Know your role

Different Roles. Different CIS Risks.

Contractor
  • Responsible for deductions
  • Must file monthly returns
  • Errors are your liability
Subcontractor
  • Tax deducted before payment
  • May be overpaying
  • Needs proper reclaim
Both
  • Two roles, two rule sets
  • Mistakes compound fast here
  • Clarity saves money
Two roles in parallel. That is where most mistakes happen.
The difference

Already Have an Accountant?

CIS is not standard accounting. Most setups are incomplete.

Typical Accountant
Year-end mindset
  • CIS bolted on, not owned monthly
  • You chase them when something breaks
  • Nil returns and verification slip
Accountup
Monthly CIS engine
  • CIS run every month by design
  • Built for contractors and subcontractors
  • Filings, verification, and statements on cadence

If CIS is not on a monthly checklist, you are exposed even with a good accountant elsewhere.

How it works

Simple, Done-for-You Process

1
Talk to us
2
We set up your CIS system
3
We handle everything monthly
No software confusion
No manual tracking
No missed deadlines
Common questions

FAQs

If you're a contractor paying subcontractors, yes, before you pay anyone for the first time.

Get CIS Handled Properly

We review your setup, flag risks, and run compliance end to end.

No obligation. Clear next steps.