Plain-English guides to CIS, tax and VAT
Written for subcontractors, tradespeople and sole traders. Each guide has worked examples, links to the GOV.UK rules it’s based on, and a calculator to do the sums for you. Last reviewed 21 October 2026.
CIS and refunds
How to claim a CIS refund
Step-by-step for sole traders, with a worked example and the deadlines for 2025/26.
Read the guide →CIS and refundsCIS deductions explained
20%, 30% or nothing — what CIS is taken on, what it isn't, and how to check your statements.
Read the guide →CIS and refundsCIS expenses you can claim
Tools, PPE, van, mileage, phone and more — what counts, what doesn't, and how much it's worth.
Read the guide →CIS and refundsRegister as self-employed and for CIS
Get your UTR, register for CIS at 20% instead of 30%, and the deadlines that apply.
Read the guide →CIS and refundsCIS refund companies compared
What refund firms charge, what you get for it, and when doing it yourself makes more sense.
Read the guide →CIS and refundsCIS records to keep
The statements, receipts and logs you need, how long to keep them, and a simple system that works.
Read the guide →Tax bills and deadlines
How much tax to put aside
Real percentages at different profits, with and without CIS, and how to build a tax pot.
Read the guide →Tax bills and deadlinesPayments on account explained
Why January can be 1.5 times your bill, the £1,000 and 80% rules, and how CIS affects them.
Read the guide →Tax bills and deadlinesSelf Assessment deadlines and penalties
Every key date for 2025/26 and 2026/27, and exactly what it costs to file or pay late.
Read the guide →MTD and VAT
Making Tax Digital for Income Tax
Who's in, from when, what "qualifying income" means for trades, quarterly updates and penalties.
Read the guide →MTD and VATVAT for tradespeople
The £90,000 rolling threshold, what counts as turnover, the construction reverse charge and the Flat Rate Scheme.
Read the guide →Rather just do the sums?
Every guide links to a free calculator that shows its working.