What is the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS)?

CIS is a HMRC tax scheme for the construction industry. Contractors deduct money from subcontractors' payments and pass it to HMRC as advance payments towards the subcontractor's tax and National Insurance. As a subcontractor, you may be owed a refund if too much has been deducted.

How much CIS tax could I get back?

The average CIS rebate is between £1,000 and £3,000 per tax year, but it varies significantly depending on your earnings, expenses, and deductions. We'll calculate your exact entitlement as part of our free consultation.

How many years of CIS rebates can I claim?

You can claim CIS rebates for up to four previous tax years. So if you haven't claimed before, you could be owed a significant sum. Don't delay — the oldest year drops off each April.

Do I need to be VAT registered as a sole trader?

You must register for VAT if your taxable turnover exceeds £90,000 in any 12-month period. Below that threshold it's optional, though there can be advantages to registering voluntarily. We'll advise you on what's best for your situation.

What records do I need to keep as a sole trader?

You should keep records of all income (invoices, receipts), all business expenses (receipts, bank statements), mileage logs if you use your vehicle for work, and any other relevant financial documents. We recommend keeping records for at least 5 years after the tax year they relate to.

How do your pricing tiers work?

Our MTD Accounting packages are simple monthly options for sole traders. They are priced for a normal one-person or small sole-trader business. If you have higher transaction volumes, CIS deductions or more complex records, we will confirm a tailored monthly quote before you start. Our construction company accounting services remain available separately.

What is MTD for Income Tax?

Making Tax Digital for Income Tax is HMRC's way of moving qualifying sole traders onto digital records and regular updates during the year. We will help you work out whether and when it applies to you, then keep the bookkeeping, updates and year-end return organised.

We are based at Sterling Enterprise Centre, 322 Manchester Road, Sheffield, S36 9NR. We serve clients across Sheffield and South Yorkshire, and can work remotely with clients nationwide.

Construction Subcontractors

CIS, Tax Returns and MTD for Construction Subcontractors

CIS rebates, Self Assessment tax returns and monthly MTD accounting support for construction subcontractors across South Yorkshire. Choose the support you need below, or tell us about your trade.

Run a construction company? See our company packages

CIS Rebates

Are You Owed a CIS Tax Refund in Sheffield?

If you work as a subcontractor in the construction industry, your contractor deducts CIS tax from your payments at 20% (or 30% if you're not registered). At the end of the tax year, you may be entitled to a refund — and many subcontractors are owed more than they realise.

You could be owed a refund if:

You work as a CIS subcontractor
You have allowable business expenses (tools, travel, PPE, phone)
You haven't claimed for previous tax years (up to 4 years back)
Your contractor deducted tax at 20% or 30%

4 Years

Can be claimed

8 Weeks

Typical processing

Start Your CIS Rebate Claim

Free, no-obligation assessment. We'll tell you exactly what you're owed.

Monthly MTD Accounting for Sole Traders

Simple Monthly Support for Sole Traders

If you work for yourself, MTD means qualifying sole traders need to keep digital records and send information to HMRC through the year. We can handle your bookkeeping, quarterly submissions and annual tax return for one clear monthly fee.

Check when MTD for Income Tax may apply to you on GOV.UK

MTD Essential

For sole traders who keep their own records

£59 + VATper month

Review of your bookkeeping records
Quarterly MTD for Income Tax submissions
Year-end finalisation
Self Assessment tax return
Basic tax reminders
Email support

Recommended · Most Popular

MTD Complete

The simple monthly option for busy business owners

£79 + VATper month

Bookkeeping completed by Tax by Sterling
Quarterly MTD for Income Tax submissions
Bank reconciliation
Year-end accounts
Self Assessment tax return
Basic tax planning
Email and telephone support
Regular reminders for the information we need
Standard bookkeeping transaction allowance applies

MTD Plus

For more activity, CIS or more involved records

From £99 + VATper month

Everything in MTD Complete
Higher bookkeeping transaction allowance applies
CIS support where applicable
More complex bookkeeping
Additional accountant support
Tax planning and ongoing guidance

These monthly prices are for a normal one-person or small sole-trader business. Bookkeeping transaction limits apply to packages that include bookkeeping. If your business has unusually high transaction volumes, CIS, more complex bookkeeping or extra support needs, we will provide a tailored quote before you start.

Get MTD Ready

Tell us about your business and we'll recommend the right monthly MTD Accounting package for you.

Sole Traders

MTD Accounting for Sole Traders in South Yorkshire

Your bookkeeping, quarterly MTD submissions and annual tax return — handled for one simple monthly fee. Whether you are just starting out or already busy on the tools, we keep the accounting side organised so you can focus on your trade.

Self-Assessment Tax Returns

Accurate, on-time filing with all allowable expenses claimed.

Bookkeeping & Accounts

Keep your records clean and compliant throughout the year.

Tax Planning & Advice

Minimise your tax bill legally with proactive planning.

HMRC Representation

We deal with HMRC on your behalf if any issues arise.

MTD Complete is our recommended package at £79 + VAT per month.

Starting Your Business in Sheffield

Sole Trader or Limited Company?

Not sure which business structure is right for you? We'll help you understand the key differences and make the best choice for your situation.

Sole Trader

You are self-employed and run your business as an individual. All profits are yours, but you're personally liable for any business debts.

Simple to set up

Minimal paperwork and registration

Lower costs

Fewer accounting and compliance requirements

Full control

Make all business decisions independently

Flexible tax planning

Self-assessment return filed annually

Best for:

Tradespeople, contractors, consultants, and service providers starting out or with modest turnover

From £1,200 PA for accounting support

Limited Company

Your business is a separate legal entity. You're a director and shareholder. Personal liability is limited, and profits are taxed at company level.

Limited liability

Personal assets protected from business debts

Tax efficiency

Potential tax savings through salary and dividends

Professional credibility

"Ltd" status enhances business reputation

Easier to scale

Can raise investment and attract clients more easily

Best for:

Growing businesses, higher earners, and those seeking liability protection and tax efficiency

From £1,800 PA for accounting support

Not sure which is right for you?

Our team can review your specific situation and recommend the best structure to minimise your tax and maximise your take-home. Book a free consultation today.

Business Structure Advice

Get Expert Guidance on Your Business Structure

Not sure whether to start as a sole trader or limited company? Our free consultation will help you understand the tax, legal, and financial implications of each option.

Startup Consultation Enquiry

Free advice on choosing the right business structure for you.

Why Get Advice?

Choosing the wrong business structure can cost you thousands in unnecessary tax and accounting fees. Our free consultation helps you make the right decision from day one.

Tax Optimisation

We'll calculate the tax implications of each structure for your specific situation.

Liability Protection

Understand your personal liability exposure and how to protect your assets.

Compliance Made Easy

Learn what records you'll need to keep and what returns you'll need to file.

Ongoing Support

We'll support you through setup and beyond with accounting and tax advice.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to Sort Your Tax? Let's Talk.

Free, no-obligation consultation. We'll assess your situation and tell you exactly what we can do for you.

Email Us