CIS

Specialist CIS accountants

Simplify your CIS accounting with 3E’S.

We provide expert Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) accounting services, ensuring accurate deductions, smooth compliance, and maximum tax efficiency.

Leave the complexities to us while you concentrate on growing your business.

Our CIS accounting services start from £100 + VAT per month.

What is the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS)?

The Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) is an HMRC initiative designed to prevent tax evasion in the UK construction sector while protecting subcontractors
from misclassification.

Under CIS, registered contractors must deduct tax from subcontractor payments, which serves as an advance payment toward the subcontractor’s tax and National
Insurance liabilities.

What do I need to know?

  • Contractors must register with CIS and verify subcontractors.
  • Subcontractors must register to receive payments, gross or net.
  • Non-compliance can lead to penalties, cash flow issues, or HMRC investigations.

Our specialist CIS accountants ensure your deductions are accurate, your filings are on time, and you reclaim every penny you’re owed.

Expert CIS accountants for contractors and subcontractors

At 3E’S, we specialise in providing tailored accounting solutions for contractors, subcontractors, and developers navigating the complexities of the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS).

With offices in Harrow, Birmingham, Stoke-on-Trent, Hitchin, and Milton Keynes, our local teams combine in-depth knowledge of regional construction markets with nationwide
CIS expertise.

Our team ensures your business remains fully HMRC-compliant, from accurate CIS deductions and subcontractor verifications to timely monthly returns. We go beyond compliance—helping you optimise cash flow, reclaim overpaid taxes, and structure your finances for long-term growth.

Whether you’re a sole trader or a large contracting firm, our CIS accountants understand the unique pressures of the construction sector, from fluctuating project costs to
payroll complexities.

From registration and verification to monthly returns and tax planning, we work with construction professionals across Stoke-on-Trent and the UK to take the stress out of your finances so you can focus on the job.

Schedule a free consultation with your nearest 3E’s office today.

Get started today
Reach out to our CIS accounting specialists now

Contact our accounting specialists now. Call us at 020 3772 2555

Or reach us by email at info@3esaccountants.co.uk

Scope of our CIS
accounting services

We simplify CIS compliance by verifying your subcontractors, determining the correct tax deduction rates, and handling monthly CIS300 filings.

We handle your HMRC registration as a contractor or subcontractor and ensure ongoing compliance with CIS regulations.

We verify subcontractors’ CIS status before making payments to apply the correct deduction rate.

Our team can identify and reclaim overpaid CIS deductions through tax returns and HMRC refund claims.

Our expert accountants can manage payroll for CIS workers, ensuring accurate calculations and adherence to CIS regulations.

We maintain detailed and accurate bookkeeping records, tailored explicitly to CIS requirements, providing a clear financial overview.

Our accountants prepare comprehensive year-end reports, incorporating all CIS transactions, for accurate tax filing and financial compliance.

We handle everything from business registration to CIS enrollment, ensuring your construction company launches compliantly and efficiently.

CIS tax advisory
services we offer

We review CIS deductions against final tax liabilities to identify and claim maximum allowable refunds.
Our CIS accountants will help claim tax reliefs on construction equipment, vehicles, and machinery investments.
We develop strategic tax plans to reduce CIS tax liabilities, maximising your profitability and ensuring compliance.
You can be a sole trader, in a partnership or own a limited company – we guide you in choosing which is best for your circumstances.
We provide guidance on implementing VAT domestic reverse charge rules for construction services, including supply chain analysis and compliance checks.
We offer solutions for CIS clients seeking to leverage SEIS, EIS, and VCT tax reliefs, ensuring they achieve maximum tax savings and comply with all applicable rules.
We minimise CIS tax deductions through proper subcontractor classification and GPS applications while ensuring full HMRC compliance.
We provide expert representation during HMRC tax investigations, ensuring your CIS records are compliant and minimising potential penalties.

Benefits of working with
an expert CIS accountant

We ensure precise and timely submission of your CIS returns, guaranteeing compliance and avoiding unnecessary penalties
We stay ahead of evolving CIS regulations, providing proactive advice to keep your business compliant with any changes.
Our expertise helps optimise your tax deductions, minimising overpayments and maximising your cash flow.
Our CIS accountants provide clear guidance on the complex interactions between CIS and VAT, ensuring accurate financial reporting.
Late or incorrect CIS filings lead to HMRC fines—we ensure deadlines are met. Our rigorous checks keep your submissions penalty-free.
We represent you in any CIS-related disputes or HMRC enquiries, providing expert support and minimising stress.
Our CIS accountants can simplify the contractor verification, saving time and ensuring accurate deduction rates.
We implement robust record-keeping systems, ensuring your CIS records are audit-ready and compliant.

Our comprehensive CIS accounting services start at just

£100 + VAT
per month

Speak to one of our CIS accountant experts today

Call us! Our team is ready to assist weekdays 9 am-5:30 pm.
020 3772 2555

Or reach us by email: info@3esaccountants.co.uk

What are the CIS
deduction rates?

Under the CIS, contractors are obligated to deduct tax from subcontractors’ payments at either 20% (standard rate) or 30% (higher rate) before making payments.

These deductions are advance tax payments toward the subcontractor’s Income Tax and National Insurance liabilities. If subcontractors are registered with HMRC, the deduction
rate is 20%.

However, unregistered subcontractors face a higher rate of 30%. Subcontractors with Gross Payment Status (GPS) receive full payment without deductions.

Our CIS accountants ensure the correct rate is applied, help subcontractors register with HMRC to reduce deductions, and assist in reclaiming any overpaid tax through annual
tax returns.

What is gross payment status?

GPS is a special CIS status allowing subcontractors to receive payments without tax deductions. To qualify, subcontractors must meet HMRC’s strict compliance
criteria, including:

  • Filing all tax returns on time for the past 12 months
  • Paying VAT (if registered) and other taxes promptly
  • Demonstrating legitimate business operations with a minimum annual turnover (£30,000 for sole traders/partnerships, £100,000 for companies)

The Gross Payment Status must be renewed annually, and losing it means reverting to standard CIS deductions. We help subcontractors apply for Gross Payment Status, maintain compliance, and avoid unexpected tax deductions.

What work falls under CIS?

The CIS applies to most on-site construction work, including:

  1. Building work (new builds, extensions, conversions)
  2. Civil engineering (roads, bridges, drainage, utilities)
  3. Renovations & repairs (plastering, roofing, decorating)
  4. Installation services (heating, plumbing, electrical, security systems)
  5. Groundworks & demolition (scaffolding, site clearance, landscaping)

Exclusions: The CIS does not cover professional services (architecture, surveying), material manufacturing, or carpet fitting (unless part of a larger construction project). 

If unsure whether your work qualifies, our specialist CIS accountants can provide clarity to ensure proper tax treatment.

Who we work with

Sole traders & CIS subcontractors

We support sole traders and subcontractors, ensuring accurate deductions, timely returns, and expert advice on navigating CIS regulations.

Construction limited companies

We help limited companies to manage subcontractor payments, verify their status, and ensure full compliance with all relevant regulations.

Directors & Shareholders

We assist directors and shareholders in the building trade with their Self Assessment returns, accurately accounting for CIS income, dividends, etc.

Digital-savvy builders

We offer digital accounting solutions specifically designed for the building trade, simplifying CIS record-keeping and compliance for ease of management.

Software for precise CIS accounting services

We work efficiently across all major platforms, delivering accurate CIS accounting regardless of your system.

Why choose 3E’s for CIS
accounting services?

We don’t just crunch numbers—we build trust, deliver proactive solutions, and speak the language of construction.

Don't just listen to us - hear what our
clients have to say!

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Questions we often receive

We typically process new CIS registrations within a couple of weeks, including HMRC verification, ensuring you can start working without payment delays.
Our team provides full audit defence, reconstructing missing records and negotiating with HMRC to resolve historical discrepancies while minimising penalties.
Yes, we specialise in optimising tax structures for limited company contractors – balancing CIS deductions with dividend strategies and expense claims.
Absolutely. We help developers correctly classify renovation vs. maintenance work, ensuring proper CIS application while maximising VAT recovery on projects.
We implement transparent payroll processes to distinguish between employees and subcontractors, preventing accidental CIS breaches with short-term labour.
Subcontractors aren’t required to file CIS returns – it’s the contractor’s duty. Our team helps ensure correct deductions and recovers overpayments.
You can claim work-related expenses that qualify for tax relief under HMRC rules. Examples include invoices, CIS payment statements, mileage costs, bank transaction records, and purchase receipts. If you’re uncertain about eligibility, consult our CIS accounting specialists for guidance.

Our awards

Womens Silver Winner award
our-awards
Global awards 2019 ACQ5
Innovation and excellence awards
FSB small business awards

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