Free CIS invoice template (PDF and Excel)
A clean, one-page invoice for labour-only and labour-and-materials work under the Construction Industry Scheme. Download the Excel version and the labour, materials, VAT and CIS deduction are worked out for you, or print the PDF and fill it in by hand.
On this page
What's in the template
- Your details and the contractor's, with spaces for your UTR and VAT number if you're registered.
- Invoice number, date, tax point and due date, plus a week-ending and site or job reference.
- Labour lines (days or hours × rate) kept separate from materials at cost, because CIS is only taken from the labour.
- VAT at 0%, 5% or 20%, with a switch for the domestic reverse charge so no VAT is added when it applies.
- The CIS deduction at 20%, 30% or 0%, then the amount payable to you.
- A space for your bank details and payment terms, and a filled-in example so you can see it done.
The Excel file does the sums with formulas and rounds each line to the penny. The yellow cells are the only ones you need to type in. The PDF has a blank page to print and a second page showing a completed example.
The example in the template
| Line | Amount |
|---|---|
| Labour: 5 days × £200 | £1,000.00 |
| Materials at cost | £300.00 |
| Subtotal | £1,300.00 |
| VAT at 20% (no reverse charge) | £260.00 |
| Invoice total | £1,560.00 |
| Less CIS deduction: 20% of labour | -£200.00 |
| Amount payable to you | £1,360.00 |
If the reverse charge applied instead, there would be no VAT and you'd be paid £1,100.00. You can try your own numbers in the CIS deduction calculator.
How to fill it in
- Add your details and the contractor's. Use the name you're registered under for CIS, and put your UTR on the invoice if your contractor asks for it.
- Number the invoice with the next number in your sequence and put the date and tax point (the date of supply) on it.
- List your labour as days or hours and a rate. Use a clear description so the contractor can match it to their records or timesheet.
- List materials separately, at cost. Only the direct cost of materials you paid for can be left out of the CIS deduction, so keep the receipts. See what counts as materials.
- Choose the CIS rate that applies to you: 20% if you're registered, 30% if not, 0% with gross payment status.
- Set VAT. Leave it at 0% if you're not VAT-registered. If you are, check whether the domestic reverse charge applies to the job.
- Add your bank details and terms, save as PDF and send it.
Your contractor sends the statement
The invoice is yours, but the payment and deduction statement comes from the contractor each month. Check it against your invoices and keep it, because the deductions count towards your tax bill and you claim them back through Self Assessment. See CIS payment and deduction statements and claiming back CIS deductions.
Things to know
- HMRC doesn't set an official invoice layout. This template covers the usual details; our checklist explains each one.
- If you're VAT-registered, a VAT invoice needs extra details, such as your VAT number and the VAT rate and amount.
- Rules, rates and thresholds change. This is general guidance, not tax or legal advice, so check GOV.UK or ask an accountant about your own position.
Frequently asked questions
Is this CIS invoice template free?
Yes. You can download the Excel and PDF versions without signing up or giving an email address.
Does the template work out the CIS deduction?
The Excel version does. Choose 20%, 30% or 0% and it takes that percentage from your labour total only, leaving out VAT and the cost of materials.
Do I need to show CIS on my invoice?
Most contractors expect to see your labour and materials separated and the CIS deduction shown, so their accounts team can match it to what they pay and report to HMRC. The template lays this out.
What about VAT and the reverse charge?
If you're VAT-registered, choose your VAT rate in the Excel file. If the domestic reverse charge applies to your job, switch it to Yes: no VAT is added and your invoice should carry the reverse charge note.
Can I use it if I have gross payment status?
Yes. Set the CIS rate to 0% and the amount payable will equal the invoice total.
Is this template tax advice?
No. It's a general layout and guidance only. Check GOV.UK or ask an accountant about your own circumstances.
Sources
- Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) – GOV.UK
- What you must do as a CIS subcontractor – GOV.UK
- Invoices: what they must include – GOV.UK
- VAT domestic reverse charge for building and construction services – GOV.UK
This guide is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules and rates change, so check the linked GOV.UK pages for the current position.