Like many here I'm sure we complete all online filings / dealings with HMRC for the majority of our self-employed clients. I doubt many even have government gateways set-up.
Do we have any indication as to whether the self-employed will need access in order to obtain support under the SEISS scheme in early June? I know that HMRC will be making contact with those eligible but is there any word as to whether they will need logins to claim?
Thanks!
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Theres no detail as to whether they will need to yet, as far as I know, however many clients of mine have been calling to say there mate down the pub have said yes.
If we look at the JRS system, this was needed to be done via a tax account, and so its possible this will need to be also, however, I don't see why it should as HMRC have all the figures already, and as far as im aware its just a case of a declaration and bank details which could in theory be done using just an online form.
In any event if your clients are listed on your agent gateway you should be able to do it for them, or perhaps ask them to register for an account just in case.
Other than claims having to be made online via gov.uk I'm not aware of any other detail as to how at this time.
We should get details eventually via:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-a-grant-through-the-coronavirus-covid-...
I would be surprised if the means of application was anything other than online through the tax/agent accounts.
For all the issues around a small proportion of edge cases, the CJRS claims have worked incredibly well for a system that they had to set up so quickly, I doubt they'll stray far from using the same methods, including agent access.
But who knows! Maybe they'll ditch it all and do it through Zoom.
Obviously we do not yet know, however I do not see this being anything like the CJRS claim, for the SEISS HMRC will already have calculated the figures for one thing, another thing is that one would presume there will be a legally binding declaration to the effect that the individual confirms they have been adversely effected. I would also presume bank details would have to be provided.
Given the above would an agent really need to or want to get involved?
We don't want to get involved in lots of things but client 'hand-holding' amongst other roles appears to be on my 'to do list' every week!
There are legally binding declarations and bank details on the CJRS claims.
It's hardly a case of whether we want to get involved, we have a lot of clients who don't use computers, so we will get involved. I would rather be granted agent access than have to pretend to be my clients.
Quote:
It's hardly a case of whether we want to get involved, we have a lot of clients who don't use computers, so we will get involved. I would rather be granted agent access than have to pretend to be my clients.
Absolutely
This is what the announcement says, so clients do appear to require a G G I.D.
"You’ll only need your:
Self Assessment Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR) number, if you do not have this find out how to get your lost UTR number
National Insurance number, if you do not have this find out how to get your lost National Insurance number
Government Gateway user ID and password
bank account number and sort code you want us to pay the grant into (only provide bank account details where a Bacs payment can be accepted)
You’ll have to confirm to HMRC that your business has been adversely affected by coronavirus.
If you claim the grant HMRC will treat this as confirmation you’re below the state aid limits.
HMRC will check claims and take appropriate action to withhold or recover payments found to be dishonest or inaccurate".
So far it would seem that Agents will be excluded from the process, but as we have seen with CJRS that could change
HMRC have - Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) webinar
https://register.gotowebinar.com/rt/4081320498512977155?source=Apr-HMRC-...
HMRC have - Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) webinar
https://register.gotowebinar.com/rt/4081320498512977155?source=Apr-HMRC-...
Thanks Sam!
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-a-grant-through-the-coronavirus-covid-...
There you go. The clients will need to make their own claims via the Gateway.
Thanks petestar1969.
The guidance also states:"If you’re unable to claim online an alternative way to claim will be available. We will update this page with more information soon."
Thanks petestar1969.
The guidance also states:"If you’re unable to claim online an alternative way to claim will be available. We will update this page with more information soon."
Yes it does, fingers crossed. I'm not sure I can mimic enough voices to pretend to be my clients on the phone....
If you follow the link then hidden under WHO CAN CLAIM it says (with grey edging):
"Your tax agent or adviser cannot make the claim for you. You must make the claim yourself. If you use an agent you should contact them if you need any help or support."
I think they should have put it under how to claim, but they didn't
Email received from HMRC
Thank you for your continued support in helping our joint customers during these challenging times.
This week we will start contacting people who may be eligible for the new Self-Employment Income Support Scheme.
If they are eligible, this scheme will allow them to claim a taxable grant worth 80% of their trading profits up to a maximum of £7,500.
The process is quick and easy for your clients to follow, but we are asking for your help in guiding them through the eligibility criteria and the process for checking and claiming.
Advising clients
You can play an important role in supporting your clients by helping them get ready to claim, by:
• talking them through why they may / may not be eligible
• helping them to find the details they need
• using the online eligibility checker on their behalf (or supporting them to use it themselves).
Under the rules of the scheme, not every self-employed person will be able to claim, so we’d value your support in helping them understand this. Your client must complete the claim themselves.
Additional info:
We've worked hard to ensure we’ve identified the right people who are eligible, but of course they will be able to ask for a review, or you can ask for a review on their behalf. If you or your client ask for a review, we will look at their case from 18 May and explain their eligibility by the end of May.
Don't know if this has already been covered but the portal for checking eligibility has just opened. So here's the link. Looks like that starts the ball rolling? https://www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-a-grant-through-the-coronavirus-covid-...
Don't know if this has already been covered but the portal for checking eligibility has just opened. So here's the link. Looks like that starts the ball rolling? https://www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-a-grant-through-the-coronavirus-covid-...
I have a colleague who is registering his clients for a Government Gateway and getting their code that is sent to them by email, then supplying them with their i.d. password and recovery word. He says it's very time consuming, but works though...
Oh, he first checks their eligibility.
I wonder who thought it was a good idea to launch the eligibility checker on the same day as bounce back loans!
Why HMRC couldn't just let the agent get on with it like we do for everything else, I do not know.
I've just received the first email from a client about this. Why HMRC insist that they do it themselves is beyond me. Now, instead of being able to make a claim for them I will have to explain to each one that they will have to enrol for the government gateway. I won't mind holding their hands whilst they make their claim but it would be so much quicker if I could do it.
