Construction & CIS

CIS Returns for Subcontractors

We handle your CIS returns so you can focus on the job at hand. If you're a Cardiff subcontractor working in construction, we'll make sure your monthly filings are accurate, on time, and that you claim back every penny you're owed.

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10+

Years keeping builders compliant

19th

Monthly deadline, never missed

20%

Standard deduction rate we help you claim back

A subcontractor in a hard hat and high-vis vest and an accountant review CIS paperwork at a desk with a laptop and calculator in a small site office, with a construction site visible through the window.

CIS support that covers everything

Whether you're newly registered or you've been filing for years, we make sure your CIS obligations are met without the stress. From verification to refunds, we've got you covered.

CIS Registration & Verification

Getting you registered with HMRC so you pay 20% instead of 30%, and keeping your status up to date.

Monthly Return Filing

Accurate, on-time submissions every month so you avoid penalties and stay compliant.

Deduction Statement Checks

Reviewing your monthly statements from contractors to make sure the numbers add up.

Tax Refund Claims

Claiming back overpaid CIS deductions through self-assessment or your payroll at year-end.

Keeping your CIS returns simple and stress-free

If you're a subcontractor in Cardiff or across South Wales, you already know that CIS returns are a monthly non-negotiable. Contractors deduct tax from your payments, file a return with HMRC, and send you a statement. Then it's your job to keep those records safe, check they're accurate, and claim back any overpayment at the end of the year. Miss a detail or a deadline, and you could face penalties or lose out on money that's rightfully yours.

We take that entire process off your hands. From verifying your registration status to filing accurate returns and claiming refunds, we make sure you're compliant, on time, and not paying a penny more tax than you need to.

We've helped dozens of Cardiff tradespeople claim back thousands in overpaid CIS deductions.

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How we handle your CIS obligations

First, we make sure you're registered correctly with HMRC. If you're not registered as a subcontractor, contractors have to deduct 30% instead of 20%. That's a costly difference. We verify your status, keep your details current, and notify you if anything changes.

Every month, we check the deduction statements you receive from contractors. We look at the gross payment, the materials excluded, and the rate applied. If something doesn't match up, we query it before it becomes a problem. Then we file your return by the 19th of the following month, even if you've had no payments that period.

At year-end, we prepare your self-assessment return or submit an Employer Payment Summary if you run payroll. That's where you claim back the CIS tax deducted throughout the year. We make sure every deduction is accounted for, so you're not leaving money with HMRC.

What builders and tradespeople in Cardiff need to know

Most of our CIS clients are electricians, plumbers, plasterers, decorators and builders working across Cardiff, Pontypridd, Barry, Penarth and Newport. Many have been managing their own returns using spreadsheets or basic software, but the monthly deadline pressure and fear of getting it wrong eventually brings them to us.

The penalties for late or incorrect CIS returns can be severe. You can be fined up to £3,000 if HMRC decides you've incorrectly treated workers as subcontractors instead of employees. And even if no tax is due, a late return triggers an automatic penalty. We've seen too many good tradespeople caught out by a missed deadline or a misunderstood form.

If you're also acting as a contractor and hiring your own subbies, you've got dual obligations. You need to verify every subcontractor before you pay them, deduct the right amount, issue statements within 14 days, and file your own monthly return. We manage both sides for clients who wear both hats.

Local, reliable, and always on your side

We're based in Cardiff and we work with construction businesses all over South Wales. We understand the rhythms of the industry here: the seasonal cash flow peaks, the mixed client base of domestic and commercial work, and the challenge of juggling admin when you're out on site all day.

When you work with us, you get a dedicated point of contact who knows your business and responds quickly. No call centres, no generic advice. Just practical, plain-English support that keeps you compliant and saves you money.

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Before we get started

Here's what Cardiff subcontractors usually ask us about CIS returns.

Do I need to register for CIS if I'm a sole trader subcontractor?

Yes, if you're working for contractors in the construction industry. Registration means they'll deduct 20% tax instead of 30%, which makes a big difference over the year. We can handle the registration for you.

What happens if I miss the monthly CIS deadline?

HMRC issues automatic penalties for late returns, even if no tax is due. The deadline is the 19th of the month following the tax month. We file on your behalf so you never have to worry about missing it.

How do I claim back the CIS tax that's been deducted from my payments?

You claim it back through your self-assessment tax return at the end of the year, or via your payroll if you run one. We prepare the return and make sure every deduction is accounted for so you get the full refund you're owed.

What's the difference between registered and gross payment status?

Registered subcontractors have 20% deducted. Gross payment status means no deduction at all, but you need to meet strict criteria around turnover, compliance history and business tests. We can advise whether you're eligible.

Do you charge per return or a monthly fee?

We typically work on a fixed monthly fee that covers verification, monthly filing, statement checks and year-end claims. It's predictable, affordable, and there are no surprise bills. We'll quote you a clear price at the consultation.

I'm based in Pontypridd but work all over South Wales. Can you help?

Absolutely. We work with subcontractors across Cardiff, the Valleys, Barry, Newport and beyond. Everything's handled remotely or at our Cardiff office, whichever suits you best.

What records do I need to keep for CIS?

You need to keep all payment and deduction statements from contractors, along with invoices and proof of materials costs. We'll tell you exactly what to save and help you organise it so nothing goes missing.

Can you help if I'm both a contractor and a subcontractor?

Yes. We manage both sides: verifying the subbies you hire, filing your contractor returns, and handling your own subcontractor filings and refunds. It's a common setup for growing trades businesses and we're very familiar with it.

Let's sort out your CIS returns

Book a free consultation and we'll explain exactly how we can take the stress out of your monthly filings.