Coronavirus: Help & Support for the Self-Employed

The UK Government has announced a number of measures to help the self-employed.  This includes:

HMRC dedicated Covid-19 helpline 0800 024 1222 – (*please note that this is new number as of 30/03) to help self-employed individuals in financial distress and with outstanding tax liabilities. The helpline is open from 8am – 4pm, Mon-Fri only.

Further information on the helpline can be found here

Self-employed income support scheme – details of the extension of the scheme to 31 March 2021 can be found here. We’ve also created a simple calculator to help you find out how much you might be able to claim…

Universal credit – since the self-employed scheme is being implemented in June, the universal credit system can be accessed in the meantime. Click here to find out more

Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) – this is now open for applications for self-employed individuals.  More information can be found here.

• VAT– there will be an automatic offer to defer VAT payments during the period 20 March to 30 June, with the taxpayer given until the end of the 2020/21 tax year to settle liabilities accumulated during the deferral period. Find more details here.
• Income self – assessment – payments on account due by 31 July 2020 will be automatically deferred until 31 January 2021. You do not need to be self-employed to be eligible for the deferment, you simply need to have a self-assessment return already filed.
• For both there will be no penalties or interest for late payments charged if you defer payment until 31 January 2021.

• Grant of £10,000 funding for small businesses that pay little or no business rates and are eligible for Small Business Rate Relief (SBBR) or Rural Rate Relief. You don’t have to apply as you will be contacted by your local authority
• All retail, hospitality and leisure businesses in England a 100% business rates holiday for the next 12 months

Grant for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses – £25,000 to these businesses operating from smaller premises, with a rateable value over £15,000 and below £51,000.  You don’t have to apply as you will be contacted by your local authority. Click here to find out more

Commercial tenants – the Government has announced that commercial tenants who cannot pay their rent because of Coronavirus will be protected from eviction. Click here to find out more