COVID-19 Update
Government Support Update
The advice provided is based solely on the following websites and we would advise you to keep an eye on these sites as they are (being) updated daily.
- Business Guidelines
- Employees Guidelines
- Claim for your employee’s wages through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
For Individuals
Support for self-employed through the Self-employment Income Support Scheme
This is designed for Sole traders and Partners who are in registered partnerships.
Completing a self-assessment is not the same as being self-employed so this does not apply to company directors who run their businesses as a limited company.
HMRC will be contacting all individuals who this applies to however this is expected in late May or early June 2020
The grant received will be based on your last three years tax returns (2016/17 to 2018/19) and as long as your average income is not above £50,000 per year they should pay 80% of this as a monthly amount up to a maximum of £2,500 per month for the time you have been unable to work.
We will be emailing separately all our clients that this applies to together with our calculations of to expect separately.
Currently no action is required by you as the client or ourselves but I will update you if this changes
This grant is classed as income and if you are in receipt of any benefits such as universal credits they must be notified.
Furloughed workers
If you have been Furloughed your employer should have contacted you and explained why.
You are entitled to 80% of your gross wage (not including average commissions or bonuses)
Your employer might choose to top up to your normal wage but does not have to.
You should receive your wage on the normal payment date unless other arrangements have been made.
You cannot work at all during this period for your employer.
Support for businesses through deferring Self-Assessment payments on account
This is open to all individuals who pay their taxes via self-assessment
If you had a 2nd payment on account due on 31st July 2020 this is now no longer payable and has been deferred to 31st January 2021
We will be contacting all clients who this applies to and how their payments on account have changed.
Universal Credits
Whilst we do not know much about the workings of universal credits the following website is the link to start your claim
https://www.gov.uk/universal-credit/how-to-claim
If you need details of your income please contact us by email and we will reply accordingly.
Other Benefits
We would advise all clients to visit the following site to see what benefits they might be entitled to.
https://www.entitledto.co.uk/?utm_source=BAdviser&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=GovUK to see what benefits they are entitled to.
This should also detail exactly what you are entitled to and how to apply
If you need details of your income please contact us by email and we will reply accordingly.
Mortgage Holiday
If you are currently paying a mortgage and are struggling please contact your mortgage provider and ask for the payment holiday.
This should not affect your credit rating but please ask them to make sure.
Most providers have forms on their websites which you can fill in.
We cannot help on this as we cannot speak to your mortgage providers on your behalf due to data protection
Other Debt & Services
We would recommend that you review your current outgoings and speak to loan providers, finance providers, Utility companies and service providers to see what they can do.
Always ask if any changes or payment holidays will affect your credit rating before making a decision.
Again we are here should you need any advice.
For the company
Support for businesses through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme
HMRC will pay the company 80% of furloughed staff costs (Gross pay, employers NI and employers pension contributions) directly to the company.
If we run your payroll then please forward details to Michaela of all staff who have been furloughed and the effective date this took place.
The application portal should be available at the end of April 2020
There are no details as yet as to when the grant will be paid over to the company.
Support for businesses through deferring VAT payments
VAT returns with a period ending February, March and April 2020 will not have to pay any liability until 31st March 2021
This is automatic and no need to apply
If you have a direct debit for your VAT payments this will need to be cancelled
Returns must still be submitted as normal
We will be contacting clients separately on how we can get the relevant information safely
Repayments will continue to be processed as normal
Support for businesses paying tax: Time to Pay service
If you have any outstanding liabilities with HMRC they are offering time to pay.
Please call them on 0800 024 1222 to discuss your options
We can assist on this so feel free to contact us.
Support for businesses that pay little or no business rates
This is a one-off grant of up to £10,000 to businesses that occupy commercial property.
Please make sure the business rates bill (even if it says amount due £0.00) is in your business name
If not contact the council and update your details.
Eligibility
If you already receive small business rates relief (SBRR) or Rural Rates Relief (RRR) and were in your business property from 11th March 2020. The council should contact you directly so no need to act or claim but again make sure your details are up to date with the council.
Cash grants for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses
If you do pay business rates to the local council and you fall under a retail, hospitality and leisure businesses and your rateable value is between £15,000 and £51,000 you could be eligible for £25,000 cash grant.
If you are a retail, hospitality and leisure businesses but claim SBRR then the £10,000 grant would be applicable.
Again, the council should contact you directly about this.
Support for businesses through the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme
This is provided by high street banks and needs to be applied for directly with them.
They will more than likely need the following information which we will be able to assist in putting together.
Last 2, or 3 years accounts
3 to 6 months bank statements
6 months to 2 years Profit and Loss, Balance Sheet and Cash flow forecast.
Personal income and liability details for all directors and individuals
The banks are still quite strict on the lending criteria, so it is not guaranteed support.