CIS Tax Rebate 2025 – How Much Can You Claim?
- Connor Thubron
- Apr 4
- 3 min read
If you’re a subcontractor working under the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS), you could be owed a substantial tax rebate in 2025 — especially if you've had tax automatically deducted from your pay. But how much can you actually claim back?
At Ultra Tax Ltd, we specialise in helping UK subcontractors and tradespeople reclaim what’s rightfully theirs. Whether you're on site five days a week or picking up weekend shifts, understanding your CIS tax rebate could put thousands back in your pocket.
In this guide, we’ll break down:
Let’s get into it
What Is the CIS Tax Rebate and Why Do You Get One?
The Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) is a system set up by HMRC to ensure subcontractors pay tax at the source. That means contractors deduct 20%–30% of your pay before it even reaches your bank — often more than you actually owe.
If you’ve:
Purchased tools, boots, fuel or other job-related items
Driven to and from site in your own vehicle
Paid for public transport or overnight stays
Worked without claiming back all your expenses
Then you’re probably due a CIS tax rebate.
Most subcontractors are entitled to a refund because their actual tax liability is lower once allowable expenses are deducted — and that’s where Ultra Tax Ltd can help.
How Much Can You Claim in Your 2025 CIS Tax Rebate?
The amount you can claim depends on how much tax has been deducted and what expenses you’ve had throughout the tax year. But to give you a rough idea, here are typical rebate amounts we see for subcontractors:
👉 Most subcontractors get back between £1,000 and £4,000 depending on their work-related expenses.
The best part? You can claim back up to four years, so if you haven’t submitted previous claims, you could be owed thousands.
💡 Tip: The more expenses you’ve kept records of (fuel, mileage, tools, clothing, insurance), the bigger your rebate is likely to be.
Chat to one of our accountants to help you with your claim
What Expenses Can You Claim as a CIS Subcontractor?
As a CIS worker, you’re allowed to claim a wide range of work-related expenses to reduce your taxable income — and increase your rebate.
Here’s a breakdown of the most common claimable expenses:
🔧 Tools & Equipment
Power tools, hand tools, safety gear
Replacements or repairs
🚗 Travel & Mileage
Vehicle mileage (45p per mile)
Fuel costs (if supported by logs)
Public transport to different sites
Parking and tolls
👕 Protective Clothing
Steel toe boots
High-vis jackets
Helmets and gloves (Note: general clothing like hoodies or jeans isn’t usually allowed)
🏠 Accommodation & Subsistence
Hotel stays for remote jobs
Meals when working away from home
🧾 Other Expenses
Union fees or trade subscriptions
Phone bills (work-related use)
Accountancy fees
Insurance (public liability, tool cover)
💡 The key to a bigger rebate? Keep receipts, mileage logs, and records of anything you've paid for out of your own pocket to do your job.
Check out more information about claiming your expenses on our Tax Rebates Page.
How to Claim Your CIS Tax Rebate in 2025
Claiming your CIS tax rebate isn’t as difficult as it sounds — but getting it right can make a big difference to how much you get back. Here’s how it works:
✅ 1. Gather Your Paperwork
You’ll need:
CIS payslips or statements from contractors
UTR number
National Insurance number
Proof of expenses (receipts, logs, invoices)
✅ 2. Submit Your Self Assessment
Your rebate is claimed through a Self Assessment tax return. HMRC will calculate how much tax you’ve overpaid after accounting for your income and expenses.
✅ 3. Get Paid
Once HMRC processes your return (usually 2–4 weeks), they’ll issue your rebate directly to your bank account.
💡 Want to Maximise Your Rebate Without the Hassle?
That’s where Ultra Tax Ltd comes in.
We handle the entire process — from gathering your paperwork to filing your tax return — and make sure you claim every allowable expense. Most of our clients get back between £1,000 and £4,000, often in just a few weeks.
Ready to Claim Your CIS Tax Rebate?
If you're a CIS subcontractor, there's a good chance you're owed money — and we're here to help you get it.
At Ultra Tax Ltd, we make the process simple, fast, and stress-free. No hidden fees. No complicated forms. Just expert support from award-winning accountants who understand your industry.
✅ What You Get:
A dedicated CIS tax expert
Full support with your Self Assessment
Maximum rebate, legally and ethically
Fast turnaround — often within 2–4 weeks
📞 Book your free consultation now and let’s find out how much you’re owed.
👉 Call us on 0191 341 0142
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