HMRC have started contacting self-employed customers who they believe are eligible for the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS). This is based on the information provided in your 2018 to 2019 tax return. Here we take you through how to find out if you are eligible for the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS).
HMRC Eligibility Checker
HMRC are asking you to use their online checker NOW which will quickly confirm whether you are eligible and will give you a specific date from which you can make a claim. You need to be aware of the steps you can take in preparation of making your claim.
Are you eligible for the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS)?
Speak to your accountant if you are unsure if you could be eligible. Your accountant should be able to help you to find the details you need – your accountants will not be able to make the claim on your behalf.
How to use the checker and what you will need
To use the online checker you will need:
- your Unique Taxpayer Reference Number
- your National Insurance Number
You will have been sent a Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) when you either registered for Self Assessment or set up a limited company. It’s a 10-digit number. It might just be called ‘tax reference’.
Your UTR is on previous tax returns and other documents from HMRC, for example: notices to file a return or payment reminders. You can also find your UTR in your HMRC online account.
If you are eligible you will be given a date between 13 – 18 May from which you can apply. This date will be randomly assigned to help HMRC manage the demand on this services.
What information will you need to use the Eligibility Checker?
You will also be asked to provide:
- your Government Gateway credentials (user ID and password)
You will also be asked to check that your bank and contact details are up to date. This is important to enable HMRC to remind you by email or text message when it is your turn to make a claim. If you do not have Government Gateway credentials, you can set those up simply by clicking here: https://www.gov.uk/personal-tax-account/sign-in/prove-identity
Are you self employed and has your businesses has been disrupted by Covid19?
If you are self-employed it is really important to use the SEISS eligibility checker and get your Government Gateway credentials NOW if you do not have them. This will speed up the process when applying for your grant.
Click here to access the Eligibility Checker from Gov.UK
When can you apply for the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS)
The application process for the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) is going live on 13 May. The process will show you how HMRC has calculated the grant that you are due to receive. You will be able to share this information with your accountant and of course ask for a review. If you disagree with HMRC’s calculations, they will look at your case from 18 May and will explain eligibility by the end of May.
LIVE HMRC webinars explaining the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS)
HMRC have live webinars available with further information about the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS), during the webinar they will cover an overview of the scheme, who can claim, how much you may be entitled to.
Click here to choose a date and time to join
Animated step by step guide to using HMRC’s eligibility checker
HMRC have created a short animation to show, step by step, how to use the checker.
What period does the SEISS cover?
The SEISS is for March, April & May and could be extended but at present this has not been confirmed.
SCAMS
Please be aware of an increase in scam emails, calls and texts. Eligible customers will be invited to claim through GOV.UK – it is the only service they can use. If someone gets in touch with you claiming to be from HMRC, saying that financial help can be claimed or that a tax refund is owed, and asks you to click on a link or to give information such as their name, credit card or bank details, DO NOT RESPOND. It is a scam.Suspicious emails claiming to be from HMRC should be reported by sending them to phishing@hmrc.gov.uk. Texts should be sent to 60599.
To find out all of the ways you can contact HMRC and their opening times click here: GOV.UK – contact HMRC
HB Accountants will bring you updates as soon as we know more.
Click here to read our previous blog on the SEISS: https://www.hbaccountants.co.uk/covid19-claiming-the-self-employment-grant-scheme/
The team at HB Accountants will be happy to assist you with making any claims – feel free to contact us 01992 444466 or by email.
HB Accountants are accountants for business. For financial and accounting guidance and support, please contact Keith or Karen. We’re still working hard to help you make the right decisions.
We are here for you during this difficult time. 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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