Are you aware of the critical CIS tax return dates that are about to transform how you handle your taxes?
From April 2026, Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax Self Assessment will affect many CIS workers in the construction industry.
This significant change means if you’re a CIS subcontractor with annual income over £50,000, you must comply with MTD for Income Tax Self Assessment (ITSA).
Initially planned for 2024, the rollout has been rescheduled, giving CIS subcontractors more time to prepare for this digital transition.
CIS self assessment will undergo a fundamental shift as the system moves from annual to quarterly reporting.
Additionally, from April 2027, the threshold will lower to £30,000, bringing even more self-employed individuals under these new regulations.
Most CIS subcontractors will need to submit their tax information digitally and quarterly to HMRC.
This represents a significant change to the current CIS monthly return dates and processes.
For CIS workers, understanding these cis dates is crucial for planning the transition to digital record-keeping.
Quarterly updates will replace the traditional cis self assessment process, requiring more frequent interaction with HMRC than the current annual tax return system.
In this guide, we’ll explain what MTD means for your construction business, outline the key implementation dates, and provide practical guidance to help you prepare.
Understanding MTD and CIS in the construction sector
The construction sector faces unique tax challenges, and the integration of two major tax frameworks will soon affect thousands of tradespeople.
Let’s explore how these systems work and why the changes matter.
What is making tax digital (MTD)?
Making tax digital is HMRC’s ambitious programme to modernise the UK’s tax system by moving it online.
MTD primarily aims to reduce tax errors and make it easier for businesses to maintain accurate records through digital tools.
The initiative was designed to transform how businesses interact with HMRC by requiring compatible software for tax submissions and digital record-keeping.
Key features of MTD include digital record-keeping of all transactions, use of HMRC-approved software for tax submissions, and more frequent reporting.
According to HMRC, these changes have already shown positive results, with 67% of businesses reporting reduced record-keeping errors since implementing MTD for VAT.
Overview of the construction industry scheme (CIS)
The Construction Industry Scheme is a tax deduction system specifically designed for the construction sector.
Established in 1972, CIS requires contractors to deduct tax from payments made to subcontractors and send these directly to HMRC.
In essence, these deductions serve as advance payments towards the subcontractor’s income tax bill.
Under CIS, contractors must verify subcontractors with HMRC, deduct either 20% (for registered subcontractors) or 30% (for unregistered ones) from payments, and provide payment statements.
This system covers most construction work, including building, alterations, repairs, decorating, and site preparation.
Why MTD is relevant for CIS subcontractors
CIS subcontractors are clearly affected by MTD because they are considered self-employed in the eyes of HMRC.
Therefore, those earning above the MTD thresholds must adopt digital record-keeping and quarterly reporting like other self-employed workers.
For CIS workers, MTD can offer practical benefits despite the initial adjustment period.
These can include:
- clearer visibility of tax liabilities throughout the year.
- fewer disputes over deductions.
- better financial planning opportunities.
- and ultimately less paperwork once the digital systems are established.
From April 2026, CIS subcontractors with income over £50,000 must maintain digital records of all CIS statements, payments, deductions, and expenses using MTD-compliant software.
This shift from annual to quarterly reporting represents a fundamental change in how CIS tax returns are managed and submitted.
New late filing and payment penalties are also introduced using a points system instead of the current automatic penalties under self assessment.
Will MTD affect my CIS tax refund?
You can still request a CIS tax refund for any excess payments that you may have made.
The main difference lies in how you declare it. Although the method of declaration varies from one situation to another, the outcome remains the same.
Any overpaid CIS tax will ultimately be refunded to you after you have fulfilled your obligations under MTD.
Key MTD rollout dates affecting CIS businesses
The timeline for making tax digital has shifted considerably since its first announcement, with several key dates now firmly established for CIS workers and businesses.
April 2022: MTD for VAT for all VAT-registered businesses
As of 1st April 2022, MTD for VAT was extended to all VAT-registered businesses, regardless of turnover.
This marked a significant milestone as previously only businesses with turnover above the VAT threshold (£85,000) were required to comply.
Under these rules, all VAT-registered construction businesses must:
- Keep VAT records digitally.
- Submit VAT returns through MTD-compatible software.
For CIS contractors handling VAT, this change meant adopting digital systems earlier than the broader income tax requirements.
Notably, there was no ‘soft landing’ period for this phase, making immediate compliance essential.
April 2024: MTD for ITSA for income over £50,000
While originally planned for 2024, the government has rescheduled the implementation dates.
Instead, MTD for income tax self assessment will now come into effect from 6 April 2026 for sole traders and landlords with qualifying income over £50,000.
This delay provides CIS workers with additional time to prepare their systems and processes.
April 2026: MTD for ITSA for income over £30,000
Similarly, this date has been pushed back. From 6 April 2027, MTD for ITSA will extend to those with qualifying income above £30,000.
April 2028: MTD for ITSA for income over £20,000
The government has also announced that from April 2028, the MTD threshold will further decrease to £20,000.
Any self employed individuals including CIS subcontractors earning above £20,000 are expected to be brought into MTD.
How MTD changes CIS tax return processes
Making tax digital introduces fundamental changes to how CIS workers manage their tax obligations.
The shift from paper to digital represents more than a simple format change—it’s a complete overhaul of long established processes.
Quarterly updates replacing annual self assessment CIS returns
CIS workers presently submit one annual self assessment return. Under MTD, this changes to quarterly digital updates providing HMRC with real-time insights into income and tax liabilities.
Consequently, records can no longer be left until year-end. This quarterly reporting system applies to both contractors and subcontractors affected by MTD.
Digital record-keeping for CIS deductions and payments
MTD mandates digital storage of all CIS-related transactions. Contractors must maintain up-to-date digital records of:
- Payments made to subcontractors (gross and net amounts)
- CIS deductions applied to each payment
Cloud accounting tools automatically import bank transactions while handling both VAT and CIS calculations, effectively reducing human error.
End of period statement (EOPS) and final declaration requirements
Following government review, the EOPS requirement has been removed from MTD criteria. This streamlines the process as many details were already captured in the final declaration.
The final declaration—submitted by January 31st following the tax year—brings together all data to determine the final tax liability. Before submitting, all quarterly updates must be completed.
Monthly CIS return dates and MTD integration
Currently, contractors file monthly CIS returns to HMRC. Under MTD, these monthly returns must integrate with digital platforms to align with other MTD obligations.
This integration ensures consistency between VAT, CIS, and MTD ITSA in one system, minimising duplication.
Choosing MTD software and preparing for compliance
Selecting the right digital tools is crucial for CIS businesses facing MTD requirements. As the April 2026 deadline approaches, preparation becomes essential for smooth compliance.
HMRC has an up to date list of software providers that they recognise as having compatible MTD features.
Features to look for in MTD-compliant software
When choosing software, focus primarily on HMRC recognition through their testing process.
Effective tools should support all your income sources covered by MTD and allow for quarterly submissions directly to HMRC.
Popular tools: Xero, QuickBooks, Sage, FreeAgent
Several established platforms offer robust MTD-compliant solutions for CIS workers:
- Xero: Provides direct HMRC connection, automatic bank reconciliation, and supports all VAT schemes.
- QuickBooks: Known for its simple interface, real-time bank feeds, and helpful construction features like job costing.
- Sage: Comprehensive solution with cloud-based accounting suitable for varying business sizes.
- FreeAgent: Offers specialised packages for different business structures, including CIS support.
Selecting appropriate MTD-compatible software now will ease your transition later.
Options like Xero, QuickBooks, Sage, and FreeAgent all provide CIS-specific features that handle the complexities of construction industry taxation.
Additionally, these platforms can integrate your monthly CIS returns with other tax obligations, creating a more unified approach to compliance.
Migrating from manual to digital records
During transition, begin by digitising existing financial records—many CIS subcontractors currently rely on spreadsheets or paper systems.
Some software allows continued use of spreadsheets with bridging connections to HMRC.
Essentially, cloud accounting eliminates manual data entry by importing bank transactions automatically.
Training and support for CIS subcontractors
Overall, accountants can provide invaluable assistance during setup. Numerous platforms offer implementation support and training materials.
Cloud-based systems enable real-time collaboration with accountants who can correct mistakes promptly and manage submissions on your behalf.
Key Takeaways
Understanding these critical MTD changes will help CIS workers prepare for the digital transformation of tax compliance in the construction industry.
- From April 2026, CIS subcontractors earning over £50,000 must use digital record-keeping and submit quarterly tax updates instead of annual returns.
- The income threshold drops to £30,000 from April 2027, bringing more construction workers under MTD requirements for Income Tax Self Assessment.
- Choose MTD-compliant software like Xero, QuickBooks, or Sage now to integrate CIS deductions, monthly returns, and quarterly reporting in one system.
- Digital record-keeping eliminates manual processes by automatically importing bank transactions and calculating CIS deductions, reducing errors significantly.
- Start your digital migration early to become familiar with new systems before the mandatory deadlines, ensuring smooth compliance transition.
The shift from annual to quarterly reporting represents the biggest change to CIS tax processes in decades.
Early preparation with the right digital tools will transform this regulatory challenge into an opportunity for better financial management and clearer tax visibility throughout the year.
Making Tax Digital for CIS Construction Workers FAQs
Q1. When will Making Tax Digital affect CIS subcontractors? From April 2026, CIS subcontractors with annual income over £50,000 must comply with MTD for Income Tax Self Assessment. The threshold will lower to £30,000 from April 2027, affecting more construction workers.
Q2. How will MTD change the tax return process for CIS workers? MTD will replace annual self-assessment returns with quarterly digital updates. CIS workers will need to keep digital records of all transactions and submit tax information to HMRC using MTD-compatible software.
Q3. What software features should CIS businesses look for to comply with MTD? Look for HMRC-recognised software that supports all your income sources, allows for quarterly submissions, and accommodates CIS-specific needs such as automatic calculation of subcontractor deductions and generation of monthly CIS returns.
Q4. Are there any exemptions from Making Tax Digital for CIS workers? While there are some exemptions from MTD, they are limited. CIS workers with qualifying income of £20,000 or less may be exempt. However, most CIS subcontractors earning above the specified thresholds will need to comply with MTD requirements.
Q5. How can CIS workers prepare for the transition to MTD? Start by digitising existing financial records and selecting MTD-compliant software like Xero, QuickBooks, or Sage. Begin the transition early to familiarise yourself with digital record-keeping and quarterly reporting before the mandatory deadlines.
