If you work in construction under the CIS (Construction Industry Scheme), you’re probably used to 20% or even 30% tax being deducted from your pay. But what if we told you that you could claim a large portion of that back — fast?
Every year, thousands of construction workers overpay tax and don’t realise they’re eligible for a refund. This guide breaks down how to get your money back in just 3 simple steps.
Step 1: Gather Your Paperwork
You’ll need to pull together a few key documents before you begin:
- CIS Deduction Statements from your contractor(s)
- Invoices or remittance slips
- Proof of income (e.g. payslips or bank statements)
- Your UTR (Unique Taxpayer Reference) number
- National Insurance number
Tip: If you’re missing any CIS statements, you can request copies from your contractor.
Step 2: Submit Your Self-Assessment Tax Return
To claim your refund, you must complete a Self Assessment tax return — even if you’re paid through CIS.
You can do this:
- Online via HMRC (if you’re confident)
- Or by using a service like Tax2U (we do it all for you)
You’ll enter:
- Total income
- Total CIS tax deducted
- Allowable business expenses
Step 3: Receive Your Refund
Once submitted, HMRC will review your return. Most CIS workers receive their rebate within:
- 1–2 weeks when submitted online
- Up to 4 weeks if posted or during busy seasons
Refund amounts can range from £600 to over £2,000 depending on your deductions and expenses.