The online service for making claims is not yet available. HMRC will contact eligible individuals by mid-May 2020 to invite them to claim using the GOV.UK online service. If claims are accepted, payment will be made by early June 2020. An alternative method of claiming will be available to those who can’t claim online. The advice is that individuals should not contact HMRC now, as this will only serve to delay the work being carried out to introduce the scheme. HMRC also reiterates, at this point, that everyone should be exercising caution when receiving texts, calls or emails purporting to be from HMRC. Communications that offer financial help or promise a tax refund for individuals who click on a link or provide personal information, are scams, and should be emailed to phisinh@hmrc.gov.uk. The communication should then be deleted.
When a claim is made
Individuals will need their:
• Self-Assessment Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) number. If this is not known, then there is guidance on how to find it • National Insurance (NI) number. Again, if this is not, known, there is associated guidance available detailing how to locate it • Government Gateway user ID and password • Bank account number and sort code for the grant to be paid into. This must be a bank account that accepts BACS payments They will need to confirm that their business has been adversely affected by coronavirus. By making a claim, HMRC will treat this as confirmation that they are below the state aid limits. HMRC will check claims and act accordingly if information is found to be dishonest or inaccurate.
After a claim is made
Once a claim is submitted, claimants will be automatically informed if the grant has been approved. If accepted, payment will be made into the nominated bank account within six working days.
Records must be retained, in line with standard self-employment record keeping requirements, including the amount claimed, the claim reference number and evidence that displays how the business has been adversely affected by coronavirus.
The grant will need to be reported on an individual’s Self-Assessment tax return, as self-employed income for any Universal Credit Claims and as self-employed income, and as working 16 hours a week, for any tax credits claims.
Other help available
Individuals can claim for Universal Credit while they wait for payment of the grant. The grant may affect the amount of Universal Credit they receive but will not affect claims for earlier periods.
There is also help for the self-employed in the form of:
• Deferral of Self-Assessment Income Tax and VAT payments • Grants for businesses that pay little or no business rates • Business Interruption Loan Scheme • Bounce Back Loan
There is help online, in the form of videos and free webinars which will help individuals to learn more about the support measures available to help through the outbreak of coronavirus.
HMRC’s digital assistant can also be used to find more information about the coronavirus support schemes.
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The Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals
Payroll: need to know
cipp.org.uk
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