How long does a CIS refund take?

There is no official CIS refund timescale. The refund comes only after you file your tax return, from 6 April 2027 for 2026-27. HMRC's general guidance says Self Assessment refunds usually arrive within 2 weeks of filing online.

That general guidance is not specific to the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS), and it is not a promise. Security checks can make it much longer. The one part you control is when you file. Over-deducted CIS is claimed back through your tax return. The sooner after 5 April you file, the sooner HMRC can repay you.

What HMRC's guidance says

HMRC does not give a separate timescale for CIS. These are its general statements about Self Assessment repayments, checked on 15 October 2026. Two of them differ, so treat them as a rough guide only.

The biggest factor is when you file

A sole trader cannot get CIS deductions back during the year. HMRC works out your tax, takes off what contractors have already paid, and repays the rest after it has your return. So the clock does not start until you file.

A worked example. You earned £40,000 of CIS labour in 2026-27, had £8,000 deducted at 20%, and are owed £2,948.20 after your tax and National Insurance are worked out. File online on 12 April 2027 and HMRC has your claim nearly ten months before the deadline. Leave it to late January 2028 and your money sits with HMRC for all that time.

What can slow it down

• Security checks. GOV.UK says these can add up to 12 weeks.
• Tax due soon. If you owe tax in the next 45 days, such as a payment on account, HMRC may set your refund against it.
• Missing or wrong CIS figures. HMRC may ask for evidence of your deductions. Keep every monthly payment and deduction statement.
• Asking twice. If you have a submission reference, GOV.UK says do not request the refund again, as this could cause a delay.
• Bank details. HMRC pays refunds only into UK bank accounts. If you paid by card, it will try to refund that card first.

What this means for you

Plan as if you will not see your CIS money until some time after you file, and file as early as you can. Do not rely on a refund arriving by a set date to pay a bill. Be wary of anyone who promises a CIS refund by a certain date or within the tax year.

Steps to get your refund as soon as possible

1. Keep every CIS statement through the year, and chase any missing ones each month.
2. Keep your income and costs up to date, so your tax return is ready soon after 5 April.
3. File your tax return online as soon as you can after the tax year ends.
4. Check your UK bank details on the return are correct.
5. If you did not claim the refund on the return, request it through your HMRC online account.
6. If you have not been paid after 14 weeks in total, contact HMRC. Its "Check when you can expect a reply from HMRC" tool shows current waiting times.

Under Making Tax Digital

From your first year in Making Tax Digital for Income Tax (MTD), HMRC adds your CIS deductions to your tax return and you must check them. GOV.UK says you cannot claim the refund in the MTD tax return itself; you request it through your HMRC online services account. If you start MTD on 6 April 2027, that first applies to your 2027-28 tax return. Use the free MTD check to see your start date, and the trades section for more on CIS.