Tax recovery isn't always straightforward. Here are clear answers to the questions our clients ask most.
A tax rebate — also known as a tax refund — is the repayment of excess tax you've paid to HMRC. If you've overpaid during the year due to incorrect tax codes, unclaimed work-related expenses, or changes in employment, you're entitled to claim that money back.
Yes. 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. At Maximum Rebate, we handle both your CIS tax return and your refund claim — just provide details of where and when you've worked and we'll calculate travel costs, job-related expenses, and submit the necessary forms to HMRC on your behalf.
If you're self-employed and paid through CIS, you're likely due a refund. You can claim back job-related expenses including travel, meals, lodging, parking, tolls, tools, protective clothing, public liability insurance, phone bills, postage and stationery. We assess every expense to ensure everything qualifies, providing peace of mind and maximising 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. 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. We ensure your returns are filed on time, avoiding these penalties entirely.
Yes. The Self-Assessment system aims to settle fairly with the taxman. Money received from the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) is treated as taxable income on your Self-Assessment. Whether or not you received 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 — no hidden fees. We ensure your claim is processed as quickly as possible, minimising delays and maximising your refund.
To register for the Construction Industry Scheme, you'll need:
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 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. We ensure you don't overpay and help 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. The treatment depends on the contractual arrangement — get in touch and we can clarify your specific situation.
Contractors must:
Subcontractors can claim tax relief on a wide range of job-related expenses. Maximum Rebate specialises in construction rebates, ensuring you receive the full amount you're entitled to — including expenses many subcontractors don't realise are claimable.
To qualify for gross payment status (no CIS deductions), you must meet these criteria:
Filing your own Self Assessment 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 — meaning you don't leave money behind.
Contact your contractor and request your CIS certificates first. If issues persist, get in touch with us — we specialise in resolving tax problems for the UK construction industry and can typically retrieve the necessary records through HMRC channels.
Yes. CIS covers all UK construction work, even by foreign firms. The registration system differs slightly, but the basic rules remain the same. Get in touch for help navigating these regulations.
It means exactly that. If we can't recover any tax for you, you don't pay a penny. There are no setup fees, admin charges or hidden costs. We only get paid when you do, and our fee is clearly agreed up front — never a percentage that creeps up.
Our team is happy to answer anything — by phone, email or WhatsApp. No commitment, no pressure.
Get in Touch