What Expenses Can CIS Workers Claim?

If you work under CIS as a subcontractor, claiming expenses correctly can make a huge difference to your tax bill.

But many construction workers either:

miss legitimate expenses

lose receipts

or simply don’t know what they can claim.

The result? 👉 paying more tax than necessary.

Can CIS workers claim expenses?

Yes.

According to HM Revenue & Customs, self-employed subcontractors working under CIS can usually claim allowable business expenses that are: 👉 “wholly and exclusively” for work purposes.

These expenses reduce your taxable profit, which may:

lower your tax bill

increase your CIS refund

Common expenses CIS workers can claim

🛠 Tools & equipment

This may include:

hand tools

power tools

safety equipment

replacement tools

👷 Protective clothing

You may be able to claim:

hard hats

hi-vis clothing

safety boots

gloves and PPE

Normal everyday clothing is not usually allowable.

⛽ Travel & mileage

Business-related travel may include:

fuel costs

mileage

parking

toll charges

Travel between temporary job sites is commonly claimed.

📱 Phone & admin costs

You may also claim business-related:

phone usage

internet costs

software subscriptions

stationery

🚐 Vehicle expenses

If you use a van or work vehicle for business, certain running costs may also qualify.

What expenses are NOT allowed?

HMRC generally does not allow:

personal expenses

ordinary clothing

private travel

family expenses

non-business purchases

Guidance on allowable expenses is available through GOV.UK.

Why many CIS workers miss expenses

The biggest problem is usually: 👉 poor record keeping

Many subcontractors:

lose receipts

forget purchases

don’t track mileage

mix business and personal spending

Over time, this can cost hundreds or even thousands in overpaid tax.

Why receipts matter

If HMRC asks questions about your return, you may need proof of:

purchases

travel

equipment

expenses claimed

Good organisation protects you if records are ever reviewed.

The biggest mistake subcontractors make

Many people only start organising paperwork in January before the tax deadline.

By then:

receipts are missing

expenses are forgotten

stress levels rise quickly

This is why tracking expenses throughout the year is much easier.

A simpler way to stay organised

With TaxBot, you can:

Store receipts instantly

Track CIS expenses digitally

Keep records organised automatically

Stay prepared for Self Assessment and refunds

Final thoughts

Claiming allowable expenses correctly is one of the best ways for CIS workers to reduce their tax bill legally.

👉 The key is simple: keep accurate records and stay organised throughout the year.

👉 Want an easier way to track CIS expenses? Try TaxBot and stay organised without the stress.

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