CIS Returns & CIS Tax Refunds UK

Construction Industry Scheme Specialists

The Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) is complex, deadline-driven, and heavily monitored by HMRC.

Whether you need to submit CIS returns as a contractor or file a CIS tax return as a subcontractor, Protax Consultants manages the entire process accurately and on time.

We keep contractors compliant and help subcontractors recover the maximum legitimate tax refund.

Contractor or Subcontractor? We Handle Both.

CIS rules differ depending on your role.

I Am a Contractor

You must file a CIS monthly return and correctly deduct tax.

I Am a Subcontractor

You likely overpaid tax and need a CIS Self Assessment tax return to claim your refund.

For Contractors – CIS Monthly Returns & Compliance

If you are a contractor, you must:

  • Verify subcontractors with HMRC
  • Deduct 20% or 30% tax correctly
  • Submit CIS returns online every month
  • Provide payment and deduction statements

The CIS return deadline is the 19th of each month (covering payments made up to the 5th).

Miss it by one day, and HMRC issues an automatic £100 penalty.

We handle:

You stay compliant. We manage the admin.

What Is a CIS Return?

A CIS return is a mandatory monthly report submitted to HMRC by contractors. It confirms:

  • Payments made to subcontractors
  • Tax is deducted under the scheme
  • Verification status

Failure to submit a CIS return results in automatic penalties.

For Subcontractors – CIS Tax Return & Refunds

If you are a subcontractor, contractors usually deduct 20% from your payments.

However, your real tax liability is often much lower once expenses and allowances are applied.

This means you may be owed a refund.

We prepare your CIS Self Assessment tax return and:

  • Calculate your total CIS deductions
  • Offset your Personal Allowance
  • Claim allowable expenses
  • Submit your tax return to HMRC
  • Secure your CIS tax refund directly to your bank

Common allowable expenses include:

  • Tools and equipment
  • Van mileage
  • Materials
  • Protective clothing
  • Public liability insurance

Many subcontractors overpay taxes every year. A professional review often results in a significant rebate.

CIS Return Deadline – Avoid Automatic Penalties

Your CIS return deadline date is strict:

  • File by the 19th of each month
  • Covers the tax month ending on the 5th

Penalty structure:

  • £100 immediately for 1 day late
  • Escalating fines for continued delay

If you are behind on CIS returns, act immediately. We can file outstanding returns and stabilise your position with HMRC.

What Is a CIS Nil Return?

A common mistake.

If you paid no subcontractors in a month, you must still file a CIS Nil Return.

Failure to submit a nil return results in a £100 penalty.

We monitor your activity and file nil CIS returns online on your behalf, keeping your record clean.

Frequently Asked Questions – CIS Returns

Contractors must use HMRC-approved software to file monthly CIS returns. We manage this submission for you.
Subcontractors claim their refund by filing a Self Assessment tax return after 5 April, offsetting CIS deductions against their true tax liability.
Yes. Errors can be corrected online. We can amend historic CIS returns to prevent HMRC compliance issues.
HMRC issues an automatic £100 fine. Penalties increase the longer the return remains outstanding.
Yes. Even if no payments were made, contractors must submit a nil return to avoid penalties.

Get Your CIS Support Today

Whether you need to:

  • File a CIS monthly return
  • Submit a CIS nil return
  • Claim a CIS tax refund
  • Fix late filings

We make CIS compliance simple and stress-free.

Behind on CIS Returns?

Received a penalty notice or HMRC letter?

Do not ignore it.

We can bring your CIS account up to date quickly and professionally.

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