Scheme Opens Earlier Than Expected!
This week HMRC will start contacting self-employed people who are likely to be eligible, through a combination of emails, SMS texts and letters, to tell them what they need to do to get ready to claim. Applications will open in tranches based on the unique taxpayer number (UTR) given to all self-employed taxpayers.
From this week, people will be able to use a new online eligibility checker. If the checker confirms that they are eligible (and they qualify due to being affected by coronavirus and because they intend to continue trading), they will be given a date when they can use the online service to make a claim from 13 May.
Payments will be made to claimants’ bank accounts from 25 May 2020 (ahead of the original June schedule)
Self Employed Income Support Scheme Eligibility checker see: https://www.tax.service.gov.uk/self-employment-support/enter-unique-taxpayer-reference
Unfortunately, as HMRC will be making the calculations for the claims rather than the taxpayer or their agent, with the result that claiming under the scheme should be much simpler, agents will not be able to apply on a client’s behalf.
Agents still have a potentially important role in helping their clients with SEISS. Agents can use the newly built eligibility checker on behalf of their clients and can also request a review if the checker gives a ‘not eligible’ result when the agent thinks that they should be eligible. Clients may also want help with understanding the calculation.
Please get in touch if you need any support on 01793 538198 or accounts@nulloptps.co.uk
