Get your Construction Industry Scheme tax refund the fast and easy way
If you’re a construction worker registered under the CIS scheme, chances are you’ve overpaid tax and you’re owed money back. With Tax2U, you can claim your CIS refund in just 15 minutes without the hassle of confusing paperwork or HMRC phone queues.
In this blog, we’ll break down how the 15-minute CIS refund process works, what you need to prepare, and how to get your money back fast.
What is a CIS refund?
The Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) is designed for subcontractors who work for contractors in the UK construction industry. Under this scheme:
- Contractors deduct 20% or 30% tax from your payments
- This is sent to HMRC on your behalf
- You may be due a tax refund at the end of the tax year depending on your actual income and allowable expenses
Many workers overpay tax because deductions are made before expenses are considered — and that’s where your CIS tax refund comes in.
How you can claim a CIS refund in just 15 minutes
With Tax2U, we’ve simplified the refund process. Here’s how you can claim in as little as 15 minutes:
Step-by-Step process
| Step | Action | Time Required |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Register or log in to Tax2U | 2 mins |
| 2 | Answer a few questions | 5 mins |
| 3 | Upload CIS payslips or bank info | 5 mins |
| 4 | Review your refund summary | 3 mins |
| Total Time | 15 mins |
We’ll handle the calculations, submit the return to HMRC, and keep you updated on the progress.
What you need to prepare
To speed up the refund process, keep the following ready:
- CIS payslips or remittance statements
- UTR number
- National Insurance number
- Bank details for the refund
- Expense receipts (e.g. travel, tools, uniforms) – optional but can boost your refund
Pro Tip: Even if you don’t have all your payslips, we can help retrieve them directly from HMRC.
When can you claim?
You can claim your CIS refund once the tax year ends (April 5th). But you don’t have to wait around – you can prepare early and submit as soon as HMRC opens submissions.
Most CIS refunds are processed within 7–14 working days once submitted.
How much can you get back?
On average, CIS workers claim £1,500 – £2,500 back each year.
Your refund depends on:
- Total income earned
- Tax deducted
- Allowable expenses
- Work-related mileage or travel
Want an instant estimate? Use our Free CIS Refund Calculator.
Common expenses you can claim
Here’s a quick look at what can be claimed to increase your refund:
| Allowable Expense | Examples |
|---|---|
| Travel | Fuel, mileage, public transport |
| Tools & Equipment | Hand tools, safety gear |
| Workwear | Boots, high-vis, protective clothing |
| Phone & Internet Usage | Work-related usage portion |
| Insurance & Licences | CSCS card, public liability cover |
Why choose Tax2u?
Thousands of UK subcontractors use Tax2u every year to claim their CIS refunds quickly and safely.
Here’s what you get:
- Fast 15-minute process
- HMRC-compliant tax calculations
- Easy mobile uploads
- Dedicated CIS support team
- Maximised refunds with expert review
“I got £2,175 back in under 2 weeks — and it only took me 10 minutes online!” – James M., CIS bricklayer
Get your CIS refund today
Don’t let your hard-earned money sit with HMRC. Join thousands of construction workers who trust Tax2U to get their CIS refunds fast.
Start Your Refund Now – It only takes 15 minutes.