CIS Invoice Template for Groundworkers UK
A free, HMRC-compliant CIS invoice template for UK groundworkers. Generate and send professional CIS invoices with automatic deduction calculations — no spreadsheets, no manual maths.
📄 Example CIS Invoice — Groundworker
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Labour — Groundworks and drainage | £2,500 |
| Materials — Concrete, drainage pipes, hardcore | Variable |
| CIS Deduction (20% on labour) | −£XX.XX |
| Amount Due | £XXX.XX |
FlashBill creates this invoice automatically.
Enter your labour and materials, select your CIS rate — FlashBill calculates the deduction and generates a professional PDF. Free to start.
What Should a CIS Invoice for a Groundworker Include?
A CIS invoice for groundworkers must meet HMRC's requirements. Here's what every CIS invoice must show:
- Your name and address (or business name)
- Your UTR number (10-digit Unique Taxpayer Reference)
- Invoice number (sequential, for your records)
- Invoice date and payment due date
- Description of work — e.g., "Groundworks Package — 20-Plot Housing Development"
- Labour amount separately from materials
- CIS deduction rate and amount (20%, 30%, or 0%)
- Net payable amount (what the contractor actually pays you)
- VAT number and VAT amount (if VAT registered)
CIS and Groundworker Work: What You Need to Know
Groundworks is one of the most common CIS trades. Virtually all groundwork on construction sites is carried out under CIS, and subcontractors must issue invoices with CIS deductions clearly shown.
Groundworkers typically carry out excavation, foundations, drainage installation, concrete slabs, retaining walls, site clearance, road base, and service ducting. Common contractors who engage groundworkers as subcontractors include house builders, civil engineers, main contractors, utilities companies, and infrastructure contractors.
CIS Deduction Rates for Groundworkers
The deduction rate applied to your labour payments depends on your CIS registration status:
- 0% — Gross payment status (you've applied and been approved by HMRC)
- 20% — Registered CIS subcontractor (standard rate)
- 30% — Unregistered subcontractor (higher rate — register to reduce this)
Frequently Asked Questions
Do groundworkers need to be CIS registered?
Yes. Groundwork on construction projects falls squarely within the Construction Industry Scheme. Register as a CIS subcontractor before starting work on any construction site.
Does CIS apply to plant hire?
No. CIS only applies to labour payments. Plant hire (e.g., excavator hire) is not subject to CIS deduction. If you provide operated plant (driver + machine), only the labour element is subject to CIS.
How do I invoice for groundworks with materials?
Separate labour and materials on your invoice. The contractor will apply the CIS rate only to the labour element. FlashBill lets you add line items and automatically calculates the correct deduction.
Stop Using Spreadsheets — Use FlashBill Instead
Creating CIS invoices manually is time-consuming and easy to get wrong. FlashBill is designed specifically for UK groundworkers — enter your job details, select your CIS rate, and the invoice is calculated and formatted correctly in seconds. Send it by email or share a payment link directly.