GOV.UK says to ask for evidence such as receipts. If the subcontractor has none, estimate the cost of the materials.
The difference is large. On the example below, the deduction is on £3,500, not on the full £5,000.
| Invoice, excluding VAT | £5,000 |
|---|---|
| Less what the subcontractor paid for | £1,500 |
| The rate applies to | £3,500 |
| CIS deduction at 20% | £700 |
| VAT on the invoice | £1,000 |
| Pay the subcontractor | £5,300 |