How to Check Your CIS Status

Learn how to check your CIS status with HMRC, whether you're a subcontractor or contractor. Step-by-step guidance to stay compliant and avoid errors.

How Do I Check My CIS Status?

If you work in the UK construction industry, understanding your CIS status is essential. Whether you're a contractor or subcontractor, being correctly registered under the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) affects how you get paid and how much tax is deducted at source. Many workers are unsure how to check their status with HMRC or what that status actually means.

In this article, we’ll walk you through how to check your CIS status, explain what the different CIS statuses mean, and outline what you should do if you think your status is wrong or needs updating.

What Is CIS Status?

Under the Construction Industry Scheme, HMRC requires contractors to deduct tax from payments to subcontractors and pass it on to HMRC. These deductions count as advance payments towards the subcontractor’s tax and National Insurance.

Your CIS status determines how those deductions are made and at what rate. There are three possible statuses for subcontractors:

  • Unregistered: 30 per cent tax is deducted from your payments

  • Registered: 20 per cent tax is deducted

  • Gross payment status: No deductions are made at all (you receive full payment and account for the tax yourself)

If you are a contractor, your CIS status refers to your responsibilities to deduct tax from subcontractors, verify them, and submit monthly returns.

Checking your CIS status helps ensure you’re being paid correctly and are complying with HMRC rules.

How to Check Your CIS Status as a Subcontractor

If you are a subcontractor and want to check your CIS registration status with HMRC, follow these steps:

  1. Log into your HMRC Personal Tax Account

    • Visit www.gov.uk/personal-tax-account

    • Sign in using your Government Gateway ID and password

    • If you haven’t set up a Government Gateway account yet, you can register online. You’ll need your National Insurance number and other identity details.

  2. Check Your CIS Details
    Once logged in, navigate to the section for CIS or Self Assessment. Here you can view:

    • Whether you're registered as a subcontractor

    • Your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR)

    • If you’ve applied for or been granted gross payment status

    • Any deductions that have been reported by contractors

This account will not show your status in plain words like "20 per cent rate" or "gross status", but you can cross-reference what deductions have been made to get a good indication.

  1. Call HMRC if Unsure
    If you are not confident navigating the portal, or if something looks incorrect, you can call the CIS helpline on 0300 200 3210. You’ll need to provide your UTR and possibly other identifying details.

HMRC can confirm:

  • Whether you are registered for CIS

  • What your deduction rate is (30 per cent, 20 per cent, or gross)

  • If your gross payment status has been approved, refused, or withdrawn

How to Check CIS Status as a Contractor

If you’re a contractor, checking your subcontractors' CIS status is a legal obligation before you make a payment.

To verify a subcontractor’s status:

  1. Register for CIS as a contractor through your HMRC Business Tax Account

  2. Log into the CIS section of your account

  3. Use the Verify Subcontractor tool to enter their:

    • UTR

    • Name

    • National Insurance number (for individuals) or company number (for limited companies)

HMRC will confirm:

  • Whether the subcontractor is registered

  • What deduction rate should be applied (30 per cent, 20 per cent, or 0 per cent for gross payment status)

Once verified, you’ll receive a verification number that must be included in your monthly CIS return.

What If My CIS Status Is Incorrect?

If you discover your CIS status is not what you expected, here’s what to do:

  • If you’re unregistered and tax is being deducted at 30 per cent, register with HMRC as a subcontractor. You can do this online or by calling the CIS helpline. Once registered, future deductions will be reduced to 20 per cent.

  • If you applied for gross payment status but are still having tax deducted, check with HMRC whether your application has been approved. If it was refused, ask for an explanation or appeal the decision.

  • If deductions are being made incorrectly, contact the contractor first to confirm they’ve verified your correct status. If needed, call HMRC to investigate.

Mistakes can happen, but keeping good records and checking your status regularly helps avoid unexpected deductions.

How to Keep Your CIS Status in Good Standing

If you have gross payment status, it is important to keep up with all your tax obligations. HMRC will review your records and may withdraw gross status if you:

  • Submit tax returns late

  • Miss payments

  • Fail to meet turnover thresholds

  • Provide inaccurate or incomplete information

To protect your CIS status:

  • Submit Self Assessment or Corporation Tax returns on time

  • Pay all tax and National Insurance liabilities promptly

  • Keep accurate financial and business records

  • Inform HMRC of any changes to your business structure or contact details

Final Thoughts

Checking your CIS status is quick, easy and important. Whether you are a sole trader or a limited company, making sure HMRC has you correctly listed helps ensure you get paid the right amount and avoid unnecessary deductions. Use your HMRC online account or contact their helpline directly to confirm your status and resolve any issues.

For contractors, verifying your subcontractors' CIS status before payment is not just best practice — it's a legal requirement. Keeping your records in order and staying compliant helps build trust and avoid penalties.