CIS SPECIALISTS
Accountants for Builders & Tradespeople
Builder, plumber, electrician, or tradesperson? We handle CIS, tax returns, and VAT—so you can focus on the job.
The Construction Tax Headache
CIS deductions eating into your pay. Unsure what’s been reported to HMRC. Materials receipts everywhere. Cash flow nightmares from late-paying customers.
Construction accounting is complicated—but it doesn’t have to be your problem.
What We Do for Tradespeople
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CIS Compliance
Monthly CIS returns, subcontractor verification, and payment statements. We ensure you deduct and report correctly.
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Self Assessment
Annual tax return with full CIS reconciliation. We reclaim any overpaid CIS deductions from HMRC.
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VAT Returns
Quarterly VAT submissions including reverse charge VAT for construction. MTD-compliant, deadline tracked.
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Job Costing
Track profitability by job. Know which projects make money and which drain it.
Understanding CIS
The Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) requires contractors to deduct tax from subcontractor payments and pay it to HMRC. As a subcontractor, you may have had 20% or 30% deducted from your payments—but this counts towards your tax bill.
We reconcile all your CIS statements, ensure you’re registered for gross payment status if eligible, and reclaim any overpayments.
Builder & Tradesperson Pricing
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Trades Starter – £39/month
Sole traders ✓ Self Assessment ✓ Basic bookkeeping ✓ CIS reclaim ✓ Expense tracking ✓ Email support
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Trades Growth – £99/month
MOST POPULAR ✓ Everything in Starter ✓ Monthly CIS returns ✓ VAT returns ✓ Subcontractor management ✓ Phone support
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Contractor Ltd – £149/month
Limited companies ✓ Full company accounts ✓ CIS & VAT included ✓ Payroll ✓ Tax planning ✓ Dedicated manager
Builder & Tradesperson FAQs
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How do I get CIS back?
CIS deductions are credited against your tax bill. If you’ve paid more in CIS than you owe in tax, we reclaim the difference from HMRC.
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Should I go limited?
Depends on your turnover and situation. We’ll calculate whether a limited company saves you tax or just adds paperwork.
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What about reverse charge VAT?
Since March 2021, construction services use reverse charge VAT. We handle this complexity in your VAT returns.
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Can I claim tools and materials?
Yes—tools, equipment, materials, vehicle costs, protective clothing, and more. We capture everything allowable.
Get Your Construction Accounts Sorted
From sole trader sparkies to building contractors—we’ve got you covered.
Builders & Tradespeople: Frequently Asked Questions
What is CIS and does it apply to me?
The Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) applies to contractors and subcontractors in the construction sector. If you are a subcontractor, your contractor deducts tax from your payments and pays it to HMRC. We manage CIS returns and ensure correct deduction rates.
How do I get a lower CIS deduction rate?
To qualify for the 20% rate (instead of 30%), you must be registered with HMRC for CIS and have a UTR number. Net payment status (0% deduction) requires a trading history and clean compliance record. We handle the registration and application process.
Can I claim back CIS deductions?
Yes. CIS deductions are advance payments towards your tax liability. If your deductions exceed your tax bill, you can claim the difference back through your Self Assessment return. We ensure every deduction is accounted for.
Should I be a sole trader or limited company in construction?
Many tradespeople start as sole traders for simplicity. Once profits exceed £30,000–£40,000, a limited company often becomes more tax-efficient. We provide a free comparison for your specific situation.
What records do I need to keep as a builder?
Keep records of all income (including CIS statements), material receipts, subcontractor payments, tool purchases, vehicle costs, and site-related expenses. Digital records via accounting software are strongly recommended as MTD approaches.