Free CIS Template

CIS Invoice Template for Painter & Decorators UK

A free, HMRC-compliant CIS invoice template for UK painters & decorators. Generate and send professional CIS invoices with automatic deduction calculations — no spreadsheets, no manual maths.

📄 Example CIS Invoice — Painter & Decorator

⚡ FlashBill
INVOICE
INV-0001
Due: 30 days
Description
Full Decoration — 15-Unit Residential New Build
Item Amount
Labour — Painting and decorating £600
Materials — Paint, fillers, masking tape Variable
CIS Deduction (20% on labour) −£XX.XX
Amount Due £XXX.XX
🏗 CIS Subcontractor — 20% deduction applied to labour

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.

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What Should a CIS Invoice for a Painter & Decorator Include?

A CIS invoice for painters & decorators 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., "Full Decoration — 15-Unit Residential New Build"
  • 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 Painter & Decorator Work: What You Need to Know

Painting and decorating on construction sites falls within CIS. Painters working as subcontractors for building contractors must issue invoices showing the correct CIS deduction.

Painters & Decorators typically carry out interior and exterior painting, preparation works, wallpapering, commercial painting, and spray finishing. Common contractors who engage painters & decorators as subcontractors include house builders, main contractors, property management companies, commercial interior fit-out firms, and housing associations.

Key Rule: CIS deductions apply only to the labour element of your invoice — not materials. Always split your invoice into labour and materials clearly. Your contractor should only deduct CIS from the labour total.

CIS Deduction Rates for Painters & Decorators

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 painters and decorators fall under CIS?

Yes. Painting and decorating is included in the Construction Industry Scheme when carried out on construction sites. Painters working as subcontractors for contractors must register with CIS.

What is the difference between CIS and non-CIS painting work?

CIS applies to work on construction projects where you are a subcontractor to a contractor. If you work directly for homeowners (no main contractor), CIS generally does not apply.

How do I show CIS on a painting invoice?

Your invoice should clearly show: the gross labour charge, the CIS deduction (20% or 30%), and the net amount the contractor pays you. FlashBill formats this automatically and keeps records for your accountant.

Stop Using Spreadsheets — Use FlashBill Instead

Creating CIS invoices manually is time-consuming and easy to get wrong. FlashBill is designed specifically for UK painters & decorators — 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.

Start for free — no credit card required →