HMRC announced plans this week to open the online Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) service on Monday 20 April – the first claims due to be paid 10 days later. File-only and payroll bureaus will be omitted from claiming.
Following HMRC’s announcement, many business owners have been worried how the HMRC will pay CJRS grants to help save cash-starved businesses and when.
HMRC chief executive Jim Harra has told the Treasury select committee the CJRS will be live on Monday 20th April. HMRC note to tax agents setting out details accompanied his announcement:
- Beta testing of the portal is in progress with a select group of employers
- 20 April: Scheme goes live
- Applicants to access the portal using their current gov.uk gateway login
- 30 April: First payments being made
- Future claims will be paid within four to six days
- Following the initial backdated claims, claims can be made no more than 14 days before payrolls are run but will be accepted for the different pay periods
- Tax agents who are authorised to act for PAYE matters will be able to file claims on behalf of their clients
- Due to “data protection reasons” file-only agents and payroll bureaus will not be able to access the service
A support pack on how to prepare and upload claims is being collated by HMRC, following guidance released over the past 3 weeks.
HMRC chief executive Jim Harra also confirmed that HMRC would be setting up an online “whistle-blower” service for employees to report employers who try and abuse the system.
We hope this information helps you and we are here for you during this difficult time. We will continue to keep you updated as the Government releases new information. Our business contingency plan is in place and we will do everything we can to support our clients during this uncertain period, please do not hesitate to contact us here if you have any concerns or queries.
Visit our COVID19 Business Hub for more information
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The information contained above is for general guidance purposes only. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the contents are accurate, please note that each individual has different circumstances and it is essential that you seek appropriate professional advice before you act on any of the information contained herein. HB Accountants can accept no liability for any errors or omission or for any person acting on or refraining from acting on the information provided in the above
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