Free CIS Template

CIS Invoice Template for Steel Erectors UK

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

📄 Example CIS Invoice — Steel Erector

⚡ FlashBill
INVOICE
INV-0001
Due: 30 days
Description
Steel Frame Erection — Industrial Unit, 800m²
Item Amount
Labour — Structural steelwork £3,000
Materials — Bolts, shim packs (if applicable) 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 Steel Erector Include?

A CIS invoice for steel erectors 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., "Steel Frame Erection — Industrial Unit, 800m²"
  • 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 Steel Erector Work: What You Need to Know

Structural steelwork erection is a CIS operation. Steel erectors working as subcontractors on construction projects must register with CIS and issue invoices showing the correct deduction.

Steel Erectors typically carry out structural steel frame erection, connections, secondary steelwork, mezzanine floors, and steel staircases. Common contractors who engage steel erectors as subcontractors include structural steel fabricators, main contractors, industrial developers, and commercial construction companies.

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 Steel Erectors

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

Does CIS apply to steel erectors?

Yes. The erection of structural steelwork is a construction operation under CIS. Steel erectors working as subcontractors must register with HMRC's CIS scheme.

Does CIS apply to the fabrication of steelwork?

CIS generally does not apply to the fabrication (manufacturing) of structural steelwork in a factory, only to the on-site erection. However, if the same company both fabricates and erects, the labour involved in erection is subject to CIS.

What CIS rate applies to steel erectors?

The standard rates apply: 20% for registered subcontractors, 30% for unregistered. Steel erectors with a good compliance record and sufficient turnover can apply for gross payment status (0% 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 steel erectors — 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.

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