Get our BeanGrower news — free practical tax, growth, money saving & asset protection tips for small business owners

Get now!
Get in touch
  1. You're probably owed a refund.

    Contractors deduct tax at source, but only on account of your liability. Once expenses go in, you're often owed far more back than you think.

  2. Registering cuts your deduction rate.

    Register under CIS and less tax comes off your payments. Don't, and more does. You may also be able to register for no deductions!

  3. Registration requirements.

    You must register under CIS and as self-employed.

  4. Good records are money.

    Poor paperwork leads to smaller refunds or even HMRC challenges.

Who we help

CIS subcontactorsthat we help.

On the tools and on CIS? You're in the right place.

Bricklayers, roofers, groundworkers, scaffolders, sparkies, plumbers, plasterers, carpenters, painters and decorators, bathroom and kitchen fitters. Whatever the trade, we know the scheme.

What nobody tells you

The CIS realitiesnobody warns you about.

Working under CIS adds pressures most people never see. The tax comes off first, the paperwork lands on you, and nobody's checking whether you're getting back what you're owed. We are.

  1. Your money's reduced before it arrives.

    Deductions at source mean cashflow's tight all year, whatever the job's worth on paper.

  2. Every missed expense is cash you've given away.

    Mileage, tools, protective gear, materials and more. Subbies routinely lose hundreds a year by not claiming properly.

  3. Your records decide your refund.

    Lost receipts and incomplete logs mean a smaller refund. Sometimes it means unwanted HMRC questions.

  4. Gross payment status keeps the cash in your hands.

    Meet the criteria and contractors pay you in full, no deduction. Most subbies never check if they qualify.

  5. Refunds run on preparation, not luck.

    The cleaner your paperwork and the earlier you file, the faster the money lands. It's that simple.

  6. You might have outgrown sole trader status.

    Past a certain income, going Ltd can cut your tax and let you retain profit. Many never look, we will.

What is CIS

The Construction IndustryScheme, explained.

Under CIS, contractors must deduct tax from payments they make to subcontractors. These rules exist to prevent fraud and ensure HMRC receives tax from construction-related work.

Covered by CIS

Construction work covered by CIS includes:

  • Preparing the site — for example, laying foundations and providing access works
  • Demolition and dismantling
  • Building work
  • Alterations, repairs and decorating
  • Installing systems for heating, lighting, power, water and ventilation
  • Cleaning the inside of buildings after construction work

Exceptions

You don't have to register if you only do:

  • Architecture and surveying
  • Scaffolding hire, with no labour
  • Carpet fitting
  • Making materials used in construction, including plant and machinery
  • Delivering materials
  • Work on construction sites that is clearly not construction — for example, running a canteen or site facilities

How it works

How the CIS systemactually works.

Generally CIS tax is applied to labour rather than materials, although there are a few minor exceptions to be aware of.

Contractors must decide for each job whether you're self-employed or employed for every contract. If self-employed, your payments fall under one of three tax treatments.

  1. 01

    Gross Payment Status

    No deduction where you are registered for gross payment status.

  2. 02

    Standard Rate Deduction

    Where you are registered as a subcontractor.

  3. 03

    Higher Rate Deduction

    Where you are not registered as a subcontractor.

The amount is paid to HMRC by the contractor on account of your tax liability. It is not your actual liability, just a payment on account — which is often an overpayment when all possible deductions are claimed, and so results in a refund at the end of the tax year.

easyCHANGE service

Switching accountant iseasierthan you think.

Worried about the hassle? Don't be. You don't have to lift a finger or have an awkward conversation with your old accountant.

  • 3simple steps
  • 1short form from you
  • £0switch fee
  1. You say yes One short form and a quick chat to get going.
  2. We handle the handover We handle the professional clearance process and request the information we need from your existing accountant.
  3. We get you set up Software, deadlines and your first numbers, usually within weeks.

Reassurance

No gap in your filings. No lost records. No awkward conversations — we do that bit.

Free review of your previous accountants’ work

We’ll dig into last year’s accounts and tax. If we spot major issues, overclaimed or underclaimed items or potential savings, we’ll explain them clearly — and help put things right.

Pricing calculator

Fixed-fee packages that grow with you.

Get an instant tailored estimate in under 60 seconds.

Your business

To give an idea of the level of tax advice required.

If unsure please select AVERAGE.

  • Core

    Best for simple businesses to stay compliant.

    £0/mo

    Accounts & Tax

  • Most popular

    Growth

    Best for ambitious businesses that want advice and priority.

    £0/mo

    Everything in CORE plus…

  • Advisory

    Best for growing businesses that want regular support.

    £0/mo

    Everything in GROWTH plus…

  • Core

    Best for simple businesses to stay compliant.

    £0/mo

    Accounts & Tax

  • Most popular

    Growth

    Best for ambitious businesses that want advice and priority.

    £0/mo

    Everything in CORE plus…

  • Advisory

    Best for growing businesses that want regular support.

    £0/mo

    Everything in GROWTH plus…

  • Core

    Best for simple businesses to stay compliant.

    £0/mo

    Accounts & Tax

  • Most popular

    Growth

    Best for ambitious businesses that want advice and priority.

    £0/mo

    Everything in CORE plus…

  • Advisory

    Best for growing businesses that want regular support.

    £0/mo

    Everything in GROWTH plus…

  • Core

    Best for simple businesses to stay compliant.

    £0/mo

    Accounts & Tax

  • Most popular

    Growth

    Best for ambitious businesses that want advice and priority.

    £0/mo

    Everything in CORE plus…

  • Advisory

    Best for growing businesses that want regular support.

    £0/mo

    Everything in GROWTH plus…

  • Core

    Best for simple businesses to stay compliant.

    £0/mo

    Accounts & Tax

  • Most popular

    Growth

    Best for ambitious businesses that want advice and priority.

    £0/mo

    Everything in CORE plus…

  • Advisory

    Best for growing businesses that want regular support.

    £0/mo

    Everything in GROWTH plus…

  • Core

    Best for CIS subbies to stay compliant.

    £0/mo

    Accounts & Tax

  • Most popular

    Growth

    Best for CIS subbies that want more advice and priority.

    £0/mo

    Everything in CORE plus…

  • Advisory

    Best for CIS subbies that want extra peace of mind and to grow.

    £0/mo

    Everything in GROWTH plus…

Additional services

Add to any plan above

Bookkeeping

£0/mo

VAT Returns

£0/mo

MTD (Qtrly Returns)

£0/mo

Management Accounts

£0/mo

Payroll

£0/mo

Additional services total£0/mo

All prices are exclusive of VAT.

Disclaimer: Your result is an estimate based on the information provided. Final fees may vary with your records, deadlines or support needs.

Like what you see? Get a tailored quote.

We’ll review your set-up to confirm your fixed fee — usually within 24 hours. No obligation.

Why you can trust us

Properly regulated.Properly guaranteed.

Here's exactly why it's important and in writing.

ACCA Certified

Independently regulated since 1995.

In the UK anyone can call themselves an "accountant". We're Certified Accountants — independently regulated, professionally insured, and held to the highest ethical standards.

Milton Keynes Certified Accountants Indemnity Cover £10M

The Tax & Beans Guarantee

What we'll put in writing.

We don't make vague promises about "great service". We put ours in writing— every clause, in plain English.

30 days free We fix it, full stop Full refund Clean break Parting gift

Reviews you can trust

Real clients. Real results.

4.9· 127 reviews
More reviews

BeanGrower ideas

The unusual newsletter most owners never see.

Practical tax, business growth, asset protection and money-saving ideas, straight to your inbox. Written for small business owners. Unsubscribe any time.

BeanGrower

The 3-line cashflow check

Spot a cash squeeze 90 days before it bites, on the back of an envelope. Three lines, ten minutes, no spreadsheet needed.

  • Line 1: the number most owners already know
  • Line 2: the number they overestimate
  • Line 3: the number they underestimate

Take the next step

Ready whenyou are.

Pick the way that suits you — there's no wrong door.

Chat first

Book a free 20 minute call. No pitch. Just tell us where you're at and we'll point you in the right direction.

Book free 30 min call

Get your price

Visit our pricing section to get a fixed fee quote.

Pricing

Just call

We always answer in person (business hours).

01908 123456