FAQ
A tax rebate, also known as a tax refund, is the repayment of excess tax you’ve paid to HMRC. If you’ve overpaid taxes during the year due to incorrect tax codes, unclaimed work-related expenses, or changes in employment, you’re entitled to claim this money back.
Yes, it does! All self-employed individuals, including CIS workers, must complete a yearly Self Assessment return. The tax year ends on April 5th, and you have until the following January 31st to file your return. At Maximum Rebate, we handle both your CIS tax return and your refund claim. Just provide us with details of where and when you’ve worked, and we’ll calculate your travel costs and any other job-related expenses, then submit the necessary forms to HMRC on your behalf.
If you’re self-employed and paid through the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS), you’re likely due a tax refund. You can claim back various job-related expenses such as travel, meals, lodging, parking, tolls, tools, protective clothing, public liability insurance, phone bills, postage, and stationery. Maximum Rebate will assess all your expenses to ensure everything qualifies, providing peace of mind and maximizing your refund.
Missing the filing or payment deadline by even a single day results in an immediate £100 penalty. At two months late, the fine doubles, and at six and twelve months late, it reaches £300 (or 5% of the CIS deductions on the return, if higher). After that, you might face an additional penalty of £3,000 or 100% of the CIS deductions on the return. With Maximum Rebate, we ensure your returns are filed on time, avoiding these penalties.
Yes, you can! The Self-Assessment system aims to settle fairly with the taxman. Any money received from the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) is treated as taxable income on your Self-Assessment. Whether or not you receive a government loan, the rules for CIS tax refunds remain the same.
CIS tax refunds typically take 4-10 weeks for HMRC to process. Maximum Rebate handles your Self Assessment CIS tax return and provides full aftercare throughout the year with no hidden fees. We ensure your claim is processed as quickly as possible, minimizing delays and maximizing your refund.
The Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) helps self-employed individuals during the COVID-19 crisis. The 5th grant covered May 2021 to September 2021, with amounts depending on how much your turnover was affected. If your turnover dropped by 30% or more, you received 80% of your 3-month average trading profits; if less than 30%, you received 30%.
To register for the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS), you’ll need:
- A legal business name for registering as self-employed.
- Your National Insurance number.
- Your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) number.
- Your VAT number if VAT-registered.
CIS covers most construction work in the UK. If you’re self-employed in the building trade, you must register to avoid higher tax deductions.
CIS is mandatory for most general contractors in the UK building trade, covering site preparation, repairs, decoration, and demolition. Some exceptions exist, such as contractors dealing with limited work like carpet fitting.
When you register with CIS, you get a card. The type depends on your situation:
- CIS 4(P): Most subcontractors receive this. It shows eligibility for CIS tax deductions and doesn’t expire.
- CIS 4(T): A temporary version for those without a National Insurance number initially.
- CIS 5: For companies that qualify for gross payments but can’t get a CIS 6 certificate.
- CIS 5 (Partner): For partners in firms.
- CIS 6: For those qualifying for gross payment status based on turnover, business type, and compliance with HMRC rules.
CIS tax deductions are amounts your employer takes from your pay before you receive it, sent directly to HMRC. These deductions act as advance payments toward your tax and National Insurance. Maximum Rebate ensures you don’t overpay and helps you claim back any excess.
A CIS Payment and Deduction statement records the money you’ve been paid and taxed on under CIS. These statements are crucial for filing your yearly Self Assessment tax returns. You should receive one within 14 days of each tax month’s end.
A contractor supplies materials or labour for a job, while a subcontractor performs construction work for a contractor. If your business pays subcontractors for construction work, you must register for CIS.
Contractors must:
- Register for CIS before hiring subcontractors.
- Verify subcontractors with HMRC.
- Deduct the appropriate tax rate (20% if registered, 30% if not).
- Pay CIS deductions to HMRC.
File monthly CIS returns accurately.
Subcontractors can claim tax relief on various job-related expenses. Maximum Rebate specializes in construction rebates, ensuring you receive the full amount you’re entitled to.
To qualify for gross payment status (no CIS deductions), you must meet these criteria:
- Turnover test: Net annual turnover of £30,000+ for three continuous years.
- Business test: Engaged in qualifying construction work, using a bank account, and maintaining proper records.
Compliance test: A spotless record of paying taxes and meeting deadlines.
Filing your own Self Assessment tax returns can lead to missed CIS claims or mistakes. Maximum Rebate ensures you get the full benefit of your tax-free Personal Allowance and all entitled tax reliefs.
Contact your contractor and request your CIS certificates. If issues persist, consult Maximum Rebate for assistance. We specialize in resolving tax problems for the UK construction industry.
Yes, CIS covers all UK construction work, even by foreign firms. The registration system differs slightly, but the basic rules remain the same. Consult Maximum Rebate for help navigating these regulations.