Best MTD Software for CIS Subcontractors in 2026
What CIS subcontractors should look for in MTD software — viewing CIS deductions, handling expenses and refunds, spreadsheet import from contractor statements, and filing quarterly updates and the final declaration.
The short answer
The best MTD software for CIS subcontractors shows the CIS deductions HMRC holds against you, records your income and expenses easily (often imported from contractor statements), and files quarterly updates and the final declaration where your CIS deductions are set against your bill. Because subbies are often due a refund, a clear CIS view and good expense capture matter most.
Construction workers have particular needs: viewing CIS deductions, capturing every expense, and getting the refund they're often owed. Here's what to look for in MTD software as a CIS subcontractor.
Why subbies need software that "gets" CIS
Under CIS, your contractor deducts 20% (or 30%) from your labour and reports it to HMRC. You don't submit those deductions — you view them, and they're credited against your final bill. Because that 20% comes off your gross labour before expenses and your personal allowance, subcontractors are often due a refund. Good software makes both the deductions and the expenses visible so the refund is right.
Features that matter for CIS
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| CIS deductions view | See what contractors reported against you |
| Easy expense capture | More expenses = a bigger, correct refund |
| Spreadsheet import | Bring figures from contractor statements |
| Reconciliation | Match HMRC's deductions to your remittances |
| Final declaration filing | Where deductions are credited to your bill |
Reconcile your deductions
The figure HMRC credits comes from what contractors reported, which doesn't always match your remittance statements. Software that shows the reported deductions lets you reconcile before you finalise — see how to check your CIS deductions.
Capture every expense
Tools, protective gear, travel, materials, insurance — every allowable expense reduces your taxable profit and increases your refund. Choose software that makes it quick to record expenses as you go, and check our deductions checklist so nothing is missed.
The basics still apply
- On HMRC's compatible list.
- Files quarterly updates and the final declaration.
- A clear review step.
- Never asks for your Government Gateway password.
Where ThisQuarter fits
ThisQuarter includes a dedicated CIS deductions view so you can see what's been reported against you and how it feeds your bill, imports figures from a spreadsheet, and files quarterly updates and the final declaration — from a secure, encrypted desktop app, with the first two quarterly cycles free on the Solo plan.
Key takeaways
- Subbies need a clear CIS deductions view and strong expense capture.
- Deductions are credited at the final declaration — refunds are common.
- Reconcile reported deductions against your remittance statements.
- Confirm HMRC compatibility and final-declaration filing.
This article is general information, not tax advice or a product endorsement. Check the CIS rules at gov.uk and compatible software at gov.uk.
Frequently asked questions
What should CIS subcontractors look for in MTD software?
A clear view of the CIS deductions HMRC holds against you, easy income and expense entry (ideally importing from contractor remittance statements), correct handling of how deductions are credited at the final declaration, and HMRC-compatible filing of quarterly updates and the final declaration.
Does the software show my CIS deductions?
Good MTD software surfaces the CIS deductions your contractors have reported to HMRC, so you can reconcile them against your own remittance statements before you finalise the year. You view these; you don't submit them yourself.
Will the software help me get my refund?
Indirectly. Refunds come from your final declaration — your income and expenses set your real tax, and your CIS deductions are credited against it. Software that captures every expense and shows your deductions helps ensure the refund is right.
Can I import figures from contractor statements?
If the software supports spreadsheet import, yes — many subcontractors keep a spreadsheet of contractor payments and deductions and import the totals, rather than typing everything in.
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