Bus. & Prof. Code 7031(b) allows any person who uses an unlicensed contractor to bring an action for disgorgement of all compensation paid the contractor for construction work. This decision holds that a claim under this statute is a suit for a statutory penalty which must be brought within a year of completion of the unlicensed contractor’s work under CCP 340(a). The disgorgement remedy allows recovery without regard to whether the plaintiff suffered any harm. It also holds that accrual is not tolled by the delayed discovery doctrine.