If you work in the UK construction industry as a subcontractor, you have probably heard of the Construction Industry Scheme, or CIS. HMRC uses CIS to collect tax directly from payments made to subcontractors, usually by deducting 20% from your invoice before the money even reaches you. For many builders, plumbers, electricians and other tradespeople, this means overpaying tax during the year and then waiting until a self assessment tax return is filed to claim the difference back.
That is where a CIS accountant comes in. At R&R Chartered Certified Accountants, we help construction subcontractors across Blackburn, Lancashire and the North West stay on top of CIS deductions, claim rebates quickly and avoid HMRC mistakes. Below is a plain-English guide to what a CIS accountant does, what they cost and how to pick the right one.
What Does a CIS Accountant Do?
A CIS accountant is simply an accountant who understands the Construction Industry Scheme and the tax issues that affect subcontractors. Their job is to make sure you pay the right amount of tax, claim back anything you are owed, and keep your records in a way that satisfies HMRC.
The main tasks a CIS accountant handles include:
- Checking your CIS statements and verifying the deductions your contractor has made.
- Preparing and filing your self assessment tax return at the end of the tax year.
- Claiming a CIS tax rebate if too much tax has been deducted.
- Advising on allowable expenses such as tools, vehicle costs, protective clothing and home office use.
- Helping you apply for gross payment status so contractors pay you without deducting tax.
- Keeping your bookkeeping organised, often using cloud software like Xero or QuickBooks.
How Much Does a CIS Accountant Cost?
Prices vary depending on how much support you need. A simple year-end self assessment return for a CIS subcontractor typically starts from a few hundred pounds. If you want monthly bookkeeping, VAT returns and ongoing advice, the fee will be higher.
The important thing is to compare like for like. A cheap service that only files your return may miss valuable expenses or fail to spot errors in your CIS statements. A slightly higher fee that includes proper review and tax planning often pays for itself many times over through a larger rebate or lower tax bill.
How to Choose a CIS Accountant
Not every accountant understands CIS well. When choosing one, look for:
- CIS experience: They should regularly work with subcontractors and understand CIS statements, gross payment status and rebate claims.
- Fixed or transparent fees: You should know what you are paying before work starts, with no surprise add-ons.
- Cloud accounting knowledge: Most CIS accountants now use Xero, QuickBooks or FreeAgent so you can see your figures in real time.
- Local availability: While much can be done online, having an accountant who knows your area and local trades can be useful.
- Clear communication: You want someone who explains things plainly and replies promptly, especially near HMRC deadlines.
When Should You Hire a CIS Accountant?
You should consider hiring a CIS accountant as soon as you start working under the Construction Industry Scheme, or as soon as you notice deductions being taken from your pay. The earlier you get organised, the easier it is to claim everything you are entitled to and avoid a last-minute rush before the 31 January self assessment deadline.
If you are currently owed a CIS rebate, an accountant can help you claim it quickly rather than waiting months or missing the claim altogether.
You can read HMRC’s official guidance on the scheme in the Construction Industry Scheme overview on GOV.UK, and check company details for contractors you work with at Companies House.
Frequently Asked Questions
A CIS accountant is an accountant who specialises in the Construction Industry Scheme. They help subcontractors file tax returns, claim CIS rebates, apply for gross payment status and manage construction-related expenses.
You do not legally need one, but many subcontractors benefit from professional help. CIS tax rules can be confusing, and an accountant usually increases your rebate and reduces the risk of HMRC penalties.
Contractors normally deduct 20% if you are registered with HMRC under CIS, or 30% if you are not registered. These deductions count as advance payments towards your income tax and National Insurance.
Yes. A CIS accountant can review your tax compliance history, turnover and other HMRC requirements, then help you apply for gross payment status so contractors pay you without deducting tax.
HMRC typically takes four to eight weeks to process a CIS rebate once a self assessment return is filed, though it can be longer during busy periods.
Keep all CIS payment and deduction statements, invoices, receipts for materials and expenses, bank statements and mileage logs. Good records make your tax return accurate and maximise your rebate.
Final Thoughts
A good CIS accountant does more than file your tax return. They make sure your CIS deductions are correct, your expenses are claimed properly and your rebate is as large as possible. For subcontractors in Lancashire and across the North West, having local support that understands both the scheme and the construction trade can save time, stress and money.
If you are looking for a CIS accountant, get in touch with R&R Chartered Certified Accountants for a free consultation. We will review your CIS position, explain what you could claim and make sure your next tax return is handled properly.
This article is general guidance for UK businesses and individuals and does not constitute personal financial or tax advice. Rules, thresholds and individual circumstances vary — always confirm your specific position with a qualified accountant before acting.
Rehan Razzaq, FCCA
Founder, R&R Chartered Certified Accountants
ACCA Chartered Certified and Xero Certified Advisor, helping UK small businesses and subcontractors with accounts, tax and financial planning since 2021.
Need Help with CIS Tax?
Book a free consultation and we will review your CIS deductions, check your rebate position and make sure your tax return is right first time.
