22 April 2020
This update covers a reminder to the self-employed to file their tax return if they want to claim a grant and more details about extra support for businesses in Scotland.
Important deadline for the self-employed
If you have not submitted your Self Assessment tax return for the tax year 2018 to 2019, you must do this by tomorrow, 23 April 2020 or you will not be eligible for the self-employed grant.
The online service for making claims under this scheme is not yet available. HMRC is aiming to contact those who are eligible by mid-May 2020 and to make payments by early June 2020. Find out more about the scheme.
You can make a claim for Universal Credit while you wait for the grant.The government is also providing the following help for the self-employed:
- deferral of Self Assessment Income Tax and VAT payments
- grants for businesses that pay little or no business rates
- Business Interruption Loan Scheme
More support for Scottish businesses
The Scottish Government has confirmed that support for the newly self-employed and firms suffering hardship will be paid in early May. The funding is aimed at those who are not eligible for other government support, or who haven’t yet received the funds they need to survive.
The scheme will be open for applications by the end of April. Use only the Scottish Government website to apply – don’t fall for fraudsters and scammers. Find out more.
- Our coronavirus FAQs are regularly updated. Check back often for the latest information.
- Read our regularly updated job retention scheme FAQs.
- NHBF Members can download an information poster, email and social media message for clients.
- Members can call our membership team, Monday-Friday, 9-5, on 01234 831965. Please be patient due to the extremely high level of calls we are currently getting.
- For legal advice, Members can login to get our 24/7 legal helpline number. Again, please be patient. The legal team is also dealing with a huge number of calls.