CIS tax refunds and tax returns
If contractors took more CIS than you owe for the year, the difference comes back to you through your Self Assessment tax return. ACCA qualified accountants work out the figure, file the return and keep track of it until HMRC replies.
ACCA qualified accountants with over 20 years in practice
Why subcontractors can pay too much
Contractors take 20% off the labour part of every payment, all year round. No account is taken of your tax free Personal Allowance of £12,570 or of your costs.
Your real bill is worked out on your profit for the tax year, which runs from 6/4 to 5/4. Once your tools, van, workwear and other costs come off, and your allowance is used, the CIS taken during the year can come to more than the tax and National Insurance you actually owe. Every deduction counts towards that bill, so whatever is left over is yours.
What we need from you
All of it can come from your phone, as photos or files by email.
Your monthly CIS statements
One from each contractor for every month you were paid. Contractors have to give you one within 14 days of the end of each tax month, so if some are missing, we help you ask for copies.
Your bank details
So HMRC can pay the refund straight into your account.
Your costs and receipts
Tools, workwear and protective gear, the work share of your phone bill, insurance, and your van or car. If you use the mileage rate, 2026/27 allows 55p a mile for the first 10,000 business miles and 25p a mile after that.
How it works
Send what you have
Photos of your CIS statements and receipts from your phone, or the files by email.
We check and work it out
An accountant matches every deduction to your statements and finds the costs you can claim.
We go through it on a call
You see the figures and ask anything before a single number goes to HMRC.
We file it and keep track
We send your return and follow it up until HMRC replies.
How long it takes
HMRC does not publish a fixed timescale for sole trader refunds, so we will not promise you one. For limited companies, HMRC says it usually responds to a CIS repayment claim within 8 weeks. A refund may also be held back if you have tax due in the next 45 days.
You can claim once the tax year ends on 5/4 and your last CIS statement for the year has arrived. If you missed a year, you can usually amend a return within 12 months of its filing deadline, and claim overpayment relief up to 4 years after the end of the tax year.
Want a rough figure first?
Our CIS refund calculator gives you an estimate in a minute, from your pay, the CIS taken and your costs.
The tax rules on this page come from GOV.UK and HMRC guidance. Last checked .
Questions about CIS refunds
How long does a CIS refund take?
For sole traders, HMRC does not publish a fixed timescale. For limited companies it usually responds within 8 weeks. We file as soon as your figures are agreed and keep track of the claim.
Can I claim for earlier years?
Yes, within time limits. A return can usually be amended within 12 months of its filing deadline, and overpayment relief can be claimed in writing up to 4 years after the end of the tax year.
What if I have lost some CIS statements?
Contractors have to give you a statement within 14 days of the end of each tax month, so we can ask them for copies. Send us what you have and we will tell you what is missing.
Is a CIS refund the same as a tax return?
For sole traders and partners, yes: the refund comes through the Self Assessment return. Your gross pay goes in as income and your total deductions go in as CIS deductions.
Will I definitely get money back?
Not always. If the CIS taken is less than the tax and National Insurance on your profit, you have tax to pay instead. We tell you which way it goes on a call before anything is filed.
I also do private jobs without CIS. Does that change things?
Yes. That income goes on the same return, and the tax on it is set against the CIS already taken, so it can make a refund smaller or turn it into a bill. Tell us about it early and there are no surprises.
Get your CIS checked
Send us a few details and we will come back with a quote. Or book a free call and ask us anything first.