Timely CIS returns and online filing solutions. Avoid penalties with ACG.
Filing for CIS – Stay Compliant and On Time with Expert Help
If you’re a contractor in the construction industry, CIS filing (filing your monthly Construction Industry Scheme returns) is a legal requirement. But we know it’s not always simple — the deadlines, deductions, and paperwork can add pressure to an already busy schedule.
At Audit Consulting Group, we make CIS online filing straightforward, stress-free and accurate. Our tailored CIS support ensures you never miss a deadline or face HMRC penalties.
What is CIS Filing?
CIS filing refers to submitting your monthly returns to HMRC under the Construction Industry Scheme. As a CIS-registered contractor, you’re legally required to:
- Deduct tax (usually 20%) from subcontractor payments
- Submit a monthly CIS return to HMRC by the 19th of every month
- Provide each subcontractor with a payment and deduction statement
This process is known as filing CIS online if you use HMRC’s web portal or compatible accounting software.
Who Needs to File CIS Returns?
If you are a CIS contractor — meaning you pay subcontractors for construction work — then you need to file CIS online every month, even if:
- You didn’t pay any subcontractors in that month (you must still submit a nil return)
- You are waiting to verify a new subcontractor
- The subcontractor has gross payment status (0% deduction), their details still need to be reported
Missing a CIS filing, even if no work was done that month, can lead to automatic penalties from HMRC.
How to File CIS Online
Filing CIS returns online with HMRC can be done through:
- HMRC CIS Online Service
Use your Government Gateway credentials to sign in and file manually. - Compatible Bookkeeping Software
Tools like Xero, QuickBooks, or Sage let you calculate deductions and submit CIS returns directly through integrated features. - Using a Professional Agent (Like Us!)
If you’re short on time or unsure about CIS requirements, our team handles the whole process – from verifying subcontractors to submitting accurate returns on your behalf.
Benefits of Online Filing:
- Fast, secure, and accessible 24/7
- Immediate submission receipts from HMRC
- Automates calculations and checks for errors
- Avoids missed deadlines and fines
Why CIS Filing Matters
Failing to file CIS online properly can lead to serious consequences:
| Error | Penalty |
| 1 day late | £100 fine |
| 2 months late | £200 fine |
| 6+ months late | £300 or 5% of CIS deductions |
| Persistent non-filing | Up to £3,000 per return |
Many businesses unknowingly fall behind — especially when there are no payments made in a month and they forget to file a nil return. We’re here to make sure that never happens to you.
What Does a CIS Monthly Return Include?
Your CIS filing must report:
- The names and UTRs of subcontractors paid
- The amounts paid and tax deducted
- Whether each subcontractor is verified and at what rate
- Confirmation of gross status for any subcontractor with 0% deductions
- Employer declaration (that the information is complete and accurate)
We’ll help you set this up in your preferred software — or manage it fully for you.
Case Study – Avoiding Fines Through Smart Filing
Scenario: A small property developer working with 3 subcontractors hadn’t filed for 3 months, assuming no payments meant no returns.
Problem: He faced penalties of over £900.
Solution: We submitted retrospective nil returns, wrote an appeal letter to HMRC, and avoided the bulk of the fines. Then we automated monthly CIS online filing going forward using QuickBooks.
How We Help at Audit Consulting Group
✔ Fully managed CIS filing
✔ Help verifying subcontractors
✔ Setup and training in Xero/QuickBooks/Sage
✔ Nil return reminders so you don’t get fined
✔ Monthly reports and deduction statements
✔ Annual CIS tax reporting support
✔ HMRC dispute and appeal handling
✔ Support for both UK-based and non-resident contractors
Whether you’re filing CIS for 1 subcontractor or 100, our systems scale with you.
FAQ: CIS Filing
How often do I need to file CIS returns?
Once per month. Due by the 19th for payments made in the previous tax month (6th to 5th).
Do I need to file if no subcontractors were paid?
Yes. You must file a “nil return” to avoid penalties.
Can I file CIS online myself?
Yes, either through HMRC’s portal or compatible software. But accuracy is critical.
What if I file late?
You’ll face penalties starting at £100 and increasing monthly. Multiple late returns can lead to larger fines and even investigations.
Can I automate filing?
Yes. We help set this up via Xero or QuickBooks so CIS filing becomes a background task.
Testimonials
🗣 “Audit Consulting Group saved us from a £2,000 HMRC penalty after our old bookkeeper forgot to submit CIS filings. Now everything’s automated and stress-free.”
– Dave H., Construction Contractor, Birmingham
🗣 “We never knew we needed to submit a return even with no payments. ACG explained everything clearly, registered us, and now handle it all.”
– A&K Joinery Ltd, Manchester
Ready to File CIS the Right Way?
Let Audit Consulting Group take care of your CIS online filing, so you can focus on the job site, not the paperwork. From initial setup to monthly compliance, we’re your trusted partner in the UK construction industry.
📞 Call us today or request a callback
📧 Ask about our monthly CIS filing packages
💬 Get help with past penalties and nil returns
Start today for stress-free CIS compliance and enhanced financial control in your construction business.
