Question 1

Do I need to be based in Derby to use Trade Tax Specialists?

Accepted Answer

No. We are a UK-wide remote practice and work with subcontractors from Derby, Derbyshire, Burton upon Trent, Nottingham and across the East Midlands. Everything is handled by phone, email and secure online portal with no office visit required.

Question 2

How much could a Derby CIS subcontractor expect to receive as a refund?

Accepted Answer

The typical first-year refund for a registered subcontractor is around £2,000, though the exact amount depends on your labour income, expenses and tax position. A Derby groundworker earning £46,000 in CIS labour income has £9,200 taken at 20%. After allowable costs including van mileage at 55p per mile, tools and PPE, most subcontractors owe considerably less than the amount deducted.

Question 3

I am doing groundwork on Derby city-centre schemes and civils work on the A38 corridor. Can I claim for both?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All your UK CIS income is consolidated into a single Self Assessment return regardless of which schemes you work on or how many contractors deduct from you. We collect deduction statements from every contractor, verify the figures against HMRC records and file a single return covering all of your CIS income.

Question 4

What is the CIS nil return obligation and does it affect me as a Derby contractor?

Accepted Answer

From 6 April 2026, contractors who make no payments to subcontractors in a given tax month must still file a CIS300 nil return (or pre-notify HMRC of inactivity). This obligation was removed in 2015 and has been reinstated. Missing a nil return triggers a £100 penalty, rising to £200 at two months and £300 or 5% of the CIS liability at six months. If you operate as a contractor in Derby and sometimes have quiet months, you need to file nil returns or you will accrue penalties.

Question 5

Can a Derby limited-company subcontractor reclaim CIS deductions during the year rather than waiting for a tax return?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Limited-company subcontractors can offset CIS deductions suffered against PAYE and CIS liabilities they owe as an employer via the Employer Payment Summary (EPS). This is the real-time route: instead of waiting up to 18 months for a Self Assessment refund, the company reduces its monthly PAYE payment by the CIS it has suffered. We set this up and manage the EPS submissions.

Question 6

Is the A38 Derby Junctions scheme covered by CIS?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The A38 Derby Junctions scheme is a National Highways infrastructure programme and falls within CIS. Subcontractors working on earthworks, drainage, concrete structures and highways packages on the scheme are subject to CIS deductions in the normal way, unless they hold Gross Payment Status. We can check your status and, if you qualify for GPS, handle the application so you receive payments without deduction.

CIS accountants in Derby

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Major construction projects in Derby

A38 Derby Junctions Scheme

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Derbion Eagle Quarter

Castleward Redevelopment

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CIS questions from Derby contractors

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