How to Check Your CIS Status: A Guide for UK Tradespeople

Understanding CIS Status

Before we dive into how to check your status, let’s briefly recap what CIS status means:

• Registered for CIS: You’re in the system and will have deductions taken from your payments at the standard rate (usually 20%).
• Gross Payment Status: You’re registered and have been approved to receive payments without deductions.
• Unregistered: You’re not in the CIS system and will face higher deductions (usually 30%) if you work as a subcontractor.

Your status affects how you’re paid and what deductions are made, so it’s crucial to know where you stand.

Why Checking Your CIS Status is Important

Regularly checking your CIS status is important for several reasons:

1. Ensure Correct Payments

Knowing your status helps you understand what deductions to expect from your payments, allowing you to manage your cash flow more effectively.

2. Compliance with HMRC

Staying aware of your status ensures you’re operating within HMRC’s rules and regulations, avoiding potential penalties or issues.

3. Identify Changes or Errors

Regular checks can help you spot any unexpected changes to your status or potential errors in the system promptly.

4. Prepare for Contracts

When bidding for new contracts, knowing your status helps you accurately calculate your costs and pricing.

How to Check Your CIS Status

There are several ways to check your CIS status:

1. Online through the HMRC Gateway

This is the most direct and efficient method:

1. Log in to your HMRC online account
2. Navigate to the CIS section
3. Select ‘Check your CIS status’
4. Follow the prompts to view your current status

2. Contact HMRC Directly

If you prefer speaking to someone or don’t have online access:

• Call the CIS helpline at 0300 200 3210
• Have your Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) ready
• Ask the representative to confirm your current CIS status

3. Check Your Payment and Deduction Statements

While not a direct status check, reviewing your statements can give you an indication of your status:

• If you’re receiving gross payments, you likely have gross payment status
• If you’re seeing 20% deductions, you’re likely registered for standard CIS deductions
• If you’re seeing 30% deductions, you may be unregistered or have lost your gross payment status

4. Ask Your Contractor

Your contractor should verify your status before paying you. They can tell you what status they have on record for you, but remember this may not always be up to date with HMRC’s records.

What to Do If Your Status Isn’t What You Expected

If you check your status and find it’s not what you expected, don’t panic. Here are some steps you can take:

1. Verify the Information

Double-check that you’ve entered all information correctly when checking online or speaking with HMRC.

2. Contact HMRC

If you believe there’s an error, contact HMRC immediately to discuss the issue and provide any necessary documentation.

3. Register for CIS

If you find you’re unregistered but should be in the scheme, you can register for CIS through your HMRC online account or by phone.

4. Apply for Gross Payment Status

If you’re eligible for gross payment status but don’t have it, you can apply through your HMRC online account.

Maintaining Your CIS Status

Once you’ve checked your status and ensured it’s correct, it’s important to maintain it:

• Keep accurate records of all your income and expenses
• Submit your tax returns on time
• Pay any taxes owed by the due dates
• Respond promptly to any communications from HMRC
• If you have gross payment status, ensure you continue to meet the eligibility criteria

How Traydees Can Help You Manage Your CIS Status

While checking your CIS status is a task you’ll need to do directly with HMRC, Traydees can help you manage your overall CIS compliance and recordkeeping:

1. Status Tracking

Record and track your CIS status within the Traydees system, ensuring all your financial calculations are based on your current status.

2. Automatic Deduction Calculations

Based on your recorded status, Traydees can automatically calculate the correct CIS deductions for your invoices.

3. Document Management

Store all your CIS-related documents securely in one place, making it easy to provide evidence to HMRC if needed.

4. Reporting Tools

Generate reports that can help you monitor your CIS payments and deductions, making it easier to spot any discrepancies that might indicate a status change.

5. Reminders and Alerts

Set up reminders to regularly check your CIS status and alerts for important CIS-related deadlines.