Help for the Self Employed

OPENING A GOVERNMENT GATEWAY ACCOUNT – SELF EMPLOYED INCOME SUPPORT (SEIS) UNDER THE CORONAVIRUS SCHEME

HMRC have issued some more details relating to the claims for the Self-Employed Income Support. The latest guidance was issued on 4th May. Details are in the link highlighted below:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-a-grant-through-the-coronavirus-covid-19-self-employment-income-support-scheme

It is hoped that HMRC may rethink the method of claim, but at this moment, the latest guidance clearly states: “Your tax agent cannot make the claim for you”, meaning we cannot apply on your behalf. The guidance goes on to indicate that you will require:

1) Your Self-assessment Unique Taxpayer Reference Number
2) Your National Insurance Number
3) Your Government Gateway ID and Password
4) Bank account number and sort code for payment

Contact us if you are unable to locate 1 or 2 above. However, the biggest issue is likely to be item 3.

If you do not have a Government Gateway account as per item 3, please see some steps detailed below, to assist with setting this up.

Please note that you will also need either your driving licence or passport to complete “Additional Security”, so ensure you have one of these to hand.

IF YOU KNOW YOUR GOVERNMENT GATEWAY ID AND PASSWORD YOU DO NOT NEED TO TAKE ANY ACTION AT THIS TIME.

Firstly, follow the link below to check eligibility:
https://www.tax.service.gov.uk/self-employment-support/enter-unique-taxpayer-reference

Once you have entered your UTR and then National Insurance number, and confirmed eligibility, click on the “Continue” button (if it comes out that you are not eligible, but you believe that you are based on the requirements, please contact us to discuss)

1. Click on “Create them now”
2. Enter your email address
3. Enter the code sent to your email address
4. Enter full name
5. Create a password
6. Set up a recovery word
7. Your Government ID will then appear on the screen – and will also be sent to your email address
8. You can now proceed to “Additional Security” – we would advise that you complete this as part of this process, rather than trying to revisit later
9. Choose your set-up (easiest option if possible would be mobile phone)
10. Enter the code sent by text to your mobile phone (if used this option)
11. Then you need to “confirm who you are” – for this you have to choose a way for HMRC to identify you, with the two key options being a driving licence or passport
12. Enter the details requested from the documentation chosen
13. Enter how you wish to be contacted re your claim

If you need any assistance please contact us as soon as possible.