Painters and decorators working under CIS on commercial or new-build residential projects have 20% taken from their labour payments. The materials split matters here too: paint, filler, tape, dust sheets, brushes and rollers you supply should be excluded from the deduction base. Over a full year, the recoverable overpayment adds up.
If you supply paint, filler, primer, masking tape and other materials for a job, those costs are excluded from the CIS deduction base. Many decorating contracts on new-build or commercial sites involve significant materials supply. If the main contractor is not splitting these out, you are overpaying.
Extending ladders, platform towers, hop-ups and similar access equipment are capital expenditure allowable through capital allowances. If you hire access equipment for specific jobs and pass the cost on, that hire charge should also be excluded from the deduction base.
Decorating contracts often require travel between multiple sites or clients in a day. Mileage at 55p per mile (from April 2026) is allowable for business travel. Keeping a journey log throughout the year is the best way to ensure the full claim is captured.
We review your deduction statements, check the materials split, account for all allowable expenses and submit your Self Assessment return. Most painters and decorators receive a refund within 8 to 12 weeks.
If your net CIS turnover exceeds £30,000, we handle the GPS application and maintain the compliance record.
Annual Self Assessment, income and expense records, Making Tax Digital preparation if needed from April 2026.
Book a free call. We will talk through your CIS position, your deduction history and whether there is anything worth changing. No hard sell, no obligation.
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