How can an accountant help me claim my CIS refund faster?

If you work in the construction industry under the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS), you may regularly have tax deducted from your payments by contractors. For many subcontractors, these deductions are more than the tax actually owed, meaning you are due a refund from HMRC. However, getting that refund processed quickly can be challenging without the right knowledge and documentation. This article explains how an accountant can help you claim your CIS refund faster and ensure you receive the full amount you are entitled to.

Under the Construction Industry Scheme, contractors deduct tax at source from payments made to subcontractors and send it to HMRC on their behalf. These deductions are meant to cover your Income Tax and National Insurance contributions, but in many cases they exceed what you actually owe.

To reclaim this overpaid tax, you must submit the right documentation to HMRC, either through your Self Assessment tax return (if you are self employed) or through your company tax records (if you operate as a limited company). Accountants who specialise in construction finance can speed up this process and prevent unnecessary delays.

Understanding CIS refunds

CIS tax deductions are usually set at 20% for registered subcontractors and 30% for unregistered ones. These deductions are taken from your gross payments and sent directly to HMRC. When you file your Self Assessment or Corporation Tax return, HMRC reviews the total tax deducted and compares it to your actual liability.

If too much has been deducted, HMRC issues a refund for the difference. The refund can take weeks or even months if your submission contains errors or lacks supporting documentation.

That is why using an accountant familiar with the CIS system can make such a big difference.

How an accountant speeds up your CIS refund

1. Ensuring your CIS records are accurate and complete

HMRC will only process a refund once it can verify that your CIS deductions are correct. An accountant ensures that all payment and deduction statements from contractors are collected, recorded, and match the figures HMRC has on file.

They will cross check:

  • The total income received under CIS.

  • The amount of tax deducted by each contractor.

  • Your business expenses and allowable deductions.

By submitting a complete and accurate return, your accountant prevents HMRC from flagging your claim for review, which can delay payment.

2. Submitting your return correctly and on time

One of the most common reasons CIS refunds are delayed is errors in tax returns. Missed figures, incorrect codes, or mismatched CIS deductions can cause HMRC to hold up processing.

Your accountant ensures your Self Assessment or Corporation Tax return is completed correctly, filed online, and submitted as early as possible. The sooner HMRC receives a clean, accurate submission, the faster they can issue your refund.

If you are self employed, the refund is processed through your Self Assessment tax return after the tax year ends on 5 April. For limited companies, refunds are handled through the company’s PAYE system or offset against other Corporation Tax liabilities.

3. Managing HMRC communication on your behalf

If HMRC queries your return or requests additional evidence, it can add weeks to the process. An accountant can respond to these requests quickly and professionally, providing the documentation HMRC needs without delay.

They can also chase HMRC directly to track the progress of your refund, ensuring it does not get stuck in the system or overlooked.

4. Avoiding common CIS refund mistakes

Many subcontractors delay their own refunds by making simple mistakes, such as:

  • Claiming for income that is not part of CIS.

  • Using incorrect UTR (Unique Taxpayer Reference) or NI numbers.

  • Forgetting to include all contractor deduction statements.

  • Submitting figures that do not match HMRC’s CIS records.

An accountant checks every detail before submission, preventing these avoidable errors and ensuring the claim moves through HMRC’s system without interruption.

5. Claiming all allowable expenses

Another way accountants help is by ensuring you claim every allowable business expense. Reducing your taxable profit increases the size of your refund.

Typical deductible expenses for CIS subcontractors include:

  • Tools, equipment, and protective clothing.

  • Vehicle costs and travel to work sites.

  • Insurance and professional fees.

  • Phone, internet, and stationery.

Accountants make sure all expenses are recorded properly with supporting receipts, which strengthens your claim and avoids HMRC disputes.

6. Handling refunds for limited companies

If you run a limited company within the construction industry, claiming a CIS refund is slightly different. Instead of Self Assessment, your accountant handles the claim through the company’s PAYE system.

They will:

  • Reconcile CIS deductions against your company’s tax liability.

  • Submit Employer Payment Summary (EPS) forms to HMRC.

  • Offset overpaid CIS tax against other PAYE or Corporation Tax debts.

  • Request repayment of any remaining credit balance.

These tasks require accuracy and knowledge of HMRC systems. An accountant ensures they are completed promptly and correctly so your company receives its refund as soon as possible.

7. Using digital accounting software to track CIS

Accountants use HMRC approved accounting software that integrates directly with the CIS system. This means all your deductions, payments, and returns are recorded in real time.

Digital records make it easier to reconcile figures at year end and speed up refund claims. If HMRC requests evidence, your accountant can provide it instantly.

How long does it take to receive a CIS refund

If your return is accurate and complete, HMRC usually issues CIS refunds within two to four weeks of submission. However, mistakes or missing information can extend this to two to three months or longer.

By having an accountant prepare and submit your claim, you significantly reduce the risk of delays. They also know how to follow up with HMRC to resolve any bottlenecks.

Example in practice

A self employed electrician had £8,000 of CIS tax deducted during the year. He filed his own return late and used estimates for some deductions. HMRC requested additional evidence, delaying the refund by eight weeks.

The following year, he hired an accountant who gathered all contractor statements, organised expenses, and filed the return within a week of the tax year ending. The return matched HMRC’s CIS records perfectly, and the refund was paid within 14 days.

Why a professional accountant makes a difference

CIS refunds are one of the most common areas where construction workers overpay tax, but they can also be one of the most frustrating to recover. A professional accountant saves you time and stress by:

  • Ensuring accuracy from the start.

  • Handling all communication with HMRC.

  • Using digital systems to speed up submissions.

  • Helping you claim every legitimate deduction.

  • Reducing the risk of HMRC challenges or delays.

Their expertise means you get your refund faster and with less hassle, freeing you to focus on your work rather than chasing HMRC paperwork.

Conclusion

An accountant can make a huge difference in how quickly you receive your CIS refund. By preparing accurate records, submitting returns correctly, and managing communications with HMRC, they help you avoid delays and claim every penny you are owed.

If you regularly work under CIS, partnering with an experienced accountant ensures your tax affairs stay organised, your refunds arrive faster, and your business remains fully compliant with HMRC.