CIS invoicing software for UK subcontractors
Invoicr is a free invoicing app built for UK self-employed tradespeople and subcontractors, with CIS compliance and VAT retention tracking available on the Business plan.
What is CIS invoicing and why it matters
Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) deductions apply when subcontractors work on construction projects for registered contractors. The contractor withholds 20% (or 30% if unregistered) from invoice payments, unless the subcontractor holds a CIS exemption certificate. CIS invoicing software must track these retention amounts separately, reconcile them against payments received, and export data for tax returns. Invoicr's Business plan includes CIS compliance built in, so your invoices calculate and record retention amounts automatically. As of June 2026, many UK tradespeople still manage CIS manually using spreadsheets. A dedicated invoicing app cuts error and time.
How Invoicr handles CIS retention
On the Business plan (£19.99/month or £179.99/year), Invoicr lets you flag invoices as CIS-liable work. The app calculates the retention percentage based on your input, separates it from the invoice total, and tracks what you're owed net of retention. Your client portal shows the full invoice amount, but your payment records reflect the actual funds transferred. All CIS data exports to your accountant in a format they can use for your Self Assessment. You don't need to manually log retention in a spreadsheet; it's all in one place on your phone, accessible from site visits or the office.
Bank-to-bank payments: lower fees for subcontractors
Invoicr's core strength is UK open banking integration. Instead of asking clients to pay by card (which costs you 2.5% and £0.20 per transaction), you can request direct bank transfer via Invoicr's payment link. On a £500 invoice, you'll pay roughly £4 in total fees instead of £12.50 with a card processor. For subcontractors juggling multiple small invoices, this adds up fast. The payment is secure, instant, and both you and your client get a receipt. Free tier covers 5 invoices and 3 customers per month; upgrade to Pro (£9.99/month) for unlimited invoices and automated payment reminders sent via WhatsApp.
VAT compliance and accountant export
If you're VAT-registered and handling CIS work, Invoicr's Business plan includes VAT compliance features alongside CIS tracking. All invoices record VAT separately, and the app exports a full ledger in formats your accountant accepts. This is critical for sole traders and small firms that need to file VAT returns quarterly or annually while also managing CIS retention. The accountant export includes line-by-line invoice detail, payment status, and CIS deductions, saving your accountant hours of manual reconciliation and reducing the risk of errors on your tax return.
Free tier and paid options
Invoicr offers three plans. The Free tier (£0/month) gives you 5 invoices per month, 3 customers, and basic bank-to-bank payments, so you can try the app at no cost. Pro (£9.99/month or £79.99/year) unlocks unlimited invoices, automated payment reminders, WhatsApp delivery, and quote generation. Business (£19.99/month or £179.99/year) adds CIS compliance, VAT tracking, a 5-seat team account, and accountant export. For most self-employed subcontractors handling CIS, the Business plan is the right fit. For sole traders without CIS requirements, Pro or even Free may suffice.
Built specifically for UK tradespeople
Invoicr is not a generic invoicing tool. It's designed by MRVL for UK self-employed tradespeople, builders, plumbers, electricians, gardeners, decorators, and mobile mechanics. Every feature reflects how you work: mobile-first design so you invoice from a job site, bank payments instead of card fees, CIS compliance baked in, and accountant exports that match UK tax practices. The app runs on iOS and Android, works offline, and syncs instantly when you're back online. If you're a UK subcontractor doing CIS work, you're using software built for your exact workflow.
Download Invoicr and start issuing CIS-compliant invoices from your phone today.
Frequently asked questions
Does Invoicr calculate CIS retention automatically?
Yes, on the Business plan. You flag an invoice as CIS-liable, set the retention percentage, and Invoicr calculates the amount you'll receive after the contractor's deduction. It's recorded separately so you can track what's owed versus what's paid.
Can I export my CIS data for my accountant?
Yes. The Business plan includes accountant export, which bundles all invoices, payments, VAT, and CIS retention in a format your accountant can import directly into your tax return.
What's the cheapest way to use Invoicr for CIS invoicing?
The Business plan at £19.99/month includes CIS compliance, VAT tracking, and accountant export. For subcontractors filing CIS and VAT returns, this is the minimum plan you'll need.
Can my clients pay me direct bank transfer through Invoicr?
Yes. Invoicr's payment link lets clients pay you bank-to-bank via UK open banking. Fees are around £4 per £500 invoice, far less than card payment processing at £12.50.
Is Invoicr available on Android?
Yes, Invoicr runs on both iOS and Android. It's a native mobile app built for UK sole traders and tradespeople.
Does Invoicr work if I'm not VAT-registered?
Yes. Free and Pro plans work for sole traders below the VAT threshold. If you become VAT-registered or handle CIS work, upgrade to Business for VAT and CIS compliance features.