LONDON, 3 September 2025 – Pie has announced a strategic partnership with ContractWise to deliver specialist Making Tax Digital (MTD) solutions for the construction sector. The collaboration comes as CIS contractors face the mandatory April 2026 digital tax compliance deadline set by HMRC.
This alliance represents more than a software deal. It’s a practical lifeline for thousands of construction professionals who must move away from paper-based records and adopt digital systems that can track income, expenses, and liabilities in real time.
Understanding the April 2026 Deadline
The April 2026 mandate will transform how construction workers manage their tax affairs. From sole traders to multi-site contractors, everyone operating under CIS must maintain digital records and file returns using HMRC-approved MTD software.
The change goes beyond simply digitising paperwork. Contractors will need to integrate digital receipt capture, expense categorisation, and real-time tax calculations into their daily routines. For many, this represents a steep shift from established ways of working. Construction contractors must comply with Making Tax Digital (MTD) requirements starting April 2026, which applies to many freelancers and businesses alike. To prepare, see our detailed guide on Making Tax Digital for sole traders and self-employed that breaks down compliance in simple steps.
Building compliance confidence: Pie teams up with ContractWise
At Pie, we’re all about helping people feel in control of their money and that includes making sure businesses can focus on growth without the stress of HMRC breathing down their necks. That’s why we’re proud to spotlight Contractwise, experts in CIS compliance who take the hassle and risk out of managing subcontractors.
Who are Contractwise
Too often, construction firms face the worry of HMRC reclassifying subcontractors as employees, which can lead to unexpected fines, penalties, and financial strain. Contractwise tackles this head-on. They start with a free workforce audit, then create robust, legally compliant contracts that clearly separate businesses from subcontractors. That means if HMRC launches a status investigation, the responsibility rests with ContractWise not the business owner.
Their approach protects firms not only from reclassification but also from costly employment tribunal claims. And with their team constantly tracking every CIS update, clients can rest easy knowing they’re always one step ahead.
CIS rules might feel complicated, but Contractwise makes it effortless. They handle the legislation, reduce the risks, and free up business owners to focus on what really matters: building and growing.
At Pie, we believe financial confidence is for everyone and partnerships like this help us deliver just that.
Tailored Technology for Construction Realities
Pie has customised its mobile-first tax platform to meet the sector’s unique needs. The system offers mobile receipt capture for on-site costs, automated mileage tracking for multi-site jobs, and intelligent categorisation of construction-related deductions.
Contractors can snap photos of receipts for fuel, tools, or materials on site. The platform then extracts key details and files them under HMRC-compliant categories. This reduces admin and ensures no deductible expenses are missed.
Seamless Integration with Existing Tools
Recognising the realities of construction workflows, Pie enables integration with project management software, banking apps, and payroll systems. This means MTD compliance becomes part of existing processes rather than an additional burden.
The platform automatically reconciles subcontractor payments, project expenses, and personal costs. Contractors gain year-round visibility of their tax position, reducing surprises when filing deadlines approach.
Tackling Construction-Specific MTD Challenges
Generic tax software often struggles with industry nuances. Construction professionals deal with variable income, multi-project expenses, and subcontractor management. The partnership addresses these realities directly.
Features such as project-based expense allocation ensure accurate deductions and HMRC-compliant audit trails. CIS deduction handling is integrated with personal tax assessments, offering a clear view of overall liabilities and entitlements.
Industry Perspectives on MTD Readiness
Trade bodies such as the Federation of Master Builders have urged the development of sector-specific solutions. Many view this partnership as a timely step to support construction workers during a complex transition.
Chartered accountants working with CIS contractors note that tailored platforms reduce preparation time and improve accuracy compared with generic MTD software. Early users have welcomed mobile accessibility and construction-focused expense categories.
Driving Digital Transformation in Construction
This partnership signals a wider shift in the industry. Successfully adopting MTD solutions lays the foundation for broader digital adoption, from automated invoicing to advanced project tracking.
By combining Pie’s technology with Contractwise’s industry expertise, the partnership sets a template for how specialist collaborations can accelerate digital transformation in traditionally paper-heavy sectors.
Summary
MTD partnership supports construction workers nationwide
Pie and Contractwise are helping the UK construction workforce prepare for the April 2026 MTD deadline. By combining user-friendly mobile software with expert CIS support, the collaboration ensures contractors can remain compliant and tax efficient.
This initiative doesn’t just solve an immediate regulatory challenge. It empowers construction professionals to embrace digital working practices that will improve compliance, cut admin, and strengthen long-term competitiveness.
