Construction Workers & CIS Subcontractors in East London
From CIS refunds and UTR registration to self-assessment, VAT and Making Tax Digital — GMC are specialist accountants in East London that handle the numbers so you can get on with the work. Fixed monthly fee. No surprises.
ICAEW Regulated
CIS & Construction Specialists
CIS & Construction Specialists
CIS & Construction Specialists
CIS & Construction Specialists
CIS & Construction Specialists
Same Day Response Guaranteed
CIS & Construction Specialists
Same Day Response Guaranteed
✓ CIS Deductions Reclaimed
✓ CIS Deductions Reclaimed
✓ CIS Deductions Reclaimed
✓ UTR & CIS Registration
✓ CIS Deductions Reclaimed
✓ CIS Deductions Reclaimed
✓ MTD Compliance
✓ CIS Deductions Reclaimed
✓ MTD Compliance
We Understand the Construction Industry
How the CIS scheme works — and why your accountant matters
How the CIS scheme works — and why your accountant matters
Working in construction — whether you're a subcontractor, a sole trader builder or running a small construction business — comes with a unique set of tax and accounting challenges that general accountants often get wrong.
At GMC, we work with plasterers, electricians, plumbers, decorators, groundworkers, bricklayers and CIS subcontractors across East London and beyond. We know the CIS scheme inside out, we understand the domestic reverse charge VAT rules, and we know how to make sure you're not paying more tax than you need to.
We also know that you're often on site from early morning, that paperwork is the last thing you want to deal with at the end of the day, and that you need an accountant who picks up the phone and gives you a straight answer.
That's exactly what you'll get at GMC.
How the CIS scheme works — and why your accountant matters
How the CIS scheme works — and why your accountant matters
How the CIS scheme works — and why your accountant matters
1. Contractor Deducts CIS Tax
When a contractor pays you, they deduct 20% (or 30% if you're not registered) from your labour and pay it directly to HMRC on your behalf.
2. You File a Self-Assessment Return
At the end of the year, you declare all your income and expenses. Your deducted CIS tax is counted against your total tax bill for the year.
GMC Claims Your CIS Refund
In many cases, self-employed subcontractors are owed a refund because CIS deductions exceed the actual tax due. We make sure you claim every penny back.
We work with all trades in the construction industry
Whether you're self-employed, a sole trader or running a small business, we have the right package for you.
Plumbers
Ground Workers
Electricians
Electricians
Ground Workers
Electricians
Plasterers
Ground Workers
Ground Workers
Ground Workers
Ground Workers
Ground Workers
Decorators & Painters
Decorators & Painters
Decorators & Painters
Bricklayers
Decorators & Painters
Decorators & Painters
Carpenters & Joiners
Decorators & Painters
Carpenters & Joiners
General Contractors
Decorators & Painters
Carpenters & Joiners
Everything we handle for construction workers and subcontractors
GMC takes care of your accounting end-to-end, so you never have to worry about HMRC deadlines, confusing VAT rules or whether you're claiming the right expenses.
✓ CIS registration — we register you under the Construction Industry Scheme as a subcontractor so contractors deduct tax at 20% (not 30%).
✓ UTR number registration — if you're new to self-employment, we'll register you with HMRC and get your Unique Taxpayer Reference sorted.
✓ CIS refund claims — we calculate your actual tax liability against your deducted CIS tax and claim back every pound of overpaid tax you're owed.
✓ Self-assessment tax returns — we prepare and file your annual return, maximising all allowable business expenses so your tax bill is as low as legally possible.
✓ VAT registration and returns — including the domestic reverse charge rules that apply to most construction subcontractors. We'll make sure you get this right.
✓ Making Tax Digital (MTD) compliance — from April 2026/27/28 most self-employed construction workers will need to file quarterly. We'll set you up on QuickBooks and handle every submission.
✓ Bookkeeping and expenses — we'll make sure tools, materials, vehicle costs, workwear and other allowable expenses are correctly recorded and claimed.
✓ Limited company formation — if your earnings have grown and incorporation makes sense, we'll advise you and set up your limited company from scratch, free of charge.
✓ HMRC correspondence — if HMRC writes to you about anything, we deal with it on your behalf.
✓ Unlimited support — call or email your dedicated GMC accountant whenever you need to. No extra charges, no call limits.
Construction & CIS - Sole Trader Package
From £70 per month - fixed fee
✓ QuickBooks Online included
✓ Dedicated accountant
✓ CIS registration & management
✓ Annual self-assessment tax return
✓ CIS deduction refund claimed
✓ VAT returns (incl. reverse charge)
✓ MTD quarterly submissions
✓ HMRC correspondence handled
✓ Tax planning to reduce your bill
✓ Unlimited phone and email support
✓ Same day response guarantee
Are you claiming all the expenses you're entitled to?
Many construction workers and subcontractors leave money on the table every year by not claiming all their allowable expenses. GMC makes sure you never do.
Vehicle & Travel Costs
Vehicle & Travel Costs
Vehicle & Travel Costs
Mileage, fuel, van costs, insurance and parking for journeys to temporary worksites — all potentially deductible.
Tools & Equipment
Vehicle & Travel Costs
Vehicle & Travel Costs
Hand tools, power tools, specialist equipment — the cost of purchasing and replacing tools used in your work can all be claimed.
Workwear & PPE
Vehicle & Travel Costs
Phone & Admin Costs
Protective clothing, safety boots, hard hats and hi-vis gear purchased for work are all allowable expenses against your tax bill.
Phone & Admin Costs
Vehicle & Travel Costs
Phone & Admin Costs
Business calls, a work mobile, materials and any professional subscriptions used for your business are all potentially deductible.
What is the CIS scheme and do I need to register?
The Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) requires contractors to deduct tax at source from payments made to subcontractors. If you're working for contractors and getting paid for labour, you almost certainly need to be CIS-registered. Without registration, contractors deduct 30% rather than 20% — which means more tax taken before you even see the money. We'll get you registered.
Am I due a CIS refund?
Very likely yes. Most self-employed subcontractors have more CIS tax deducted during the year than their actual tax bill, because the 20% deduction doesn't account for business expenses. Once we prepare your self-assessment return and deduct all your allowable expenses, HMRC usually owes you money back. GMC makes sure you claim it.
What is the domestic reverse charge for VAT?
Since March 2021, most construction services between VAT-registered businesses are subject to the domestic reverse charge — meaning the customer accounts for VAT rather than the supplier. Getting this wrong can result in penalties. At GMC we make sure your VAT returns handle this correctly.
Should I be a sole trader or a limited company?
It depends on your earnings, your circumstances and your plans. At GMC we'll give you honest advice based on your situation — not just tell you what you want to hear. If incorporation makes sense, we'll handle the company setup for free as part of your package.
I've never filed a tax return before. Can you help?
Absolutely. Whether you've just gone self-employed or have been trading for years without filing properly, we'll get your records in order, register you with HMRC and make sure everything is up to date. We don't judge and we don't charge catch-up fees.
Frequently asked questions from Construction Workers in East London
Working in construction comes with questions that other accountants don't always know the answer to. We do.
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