Covid-19 Updates

In the Chancellor’s 2021 budget, he announced the sixth extension to the CJRS furlough scheme, as well as a fourth and fifth grant as part of the self-employed income support scheme (SEISS). - Read More

UPDATED 16/02/21 - If you took advantage of the VAT payment deferral due to Covid-19, HMRC has issued guidance on how to pay your outstanding VAT liabilities, including details of a new payment scheme. - Read More

The government is giving businesses longer to pay back their Bounce Back loans. There have also been reports that in the longer term, temporary Covid-19 loan schemes may be replaced by a permanent state-backed small business loan scheme. - Read More

Due to the UK’s third lockdown, businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors are to receive a one-off grant worth up to £9,000 per property as part of a new £4.6bn coronavirus support package. In addition, a £594 million discretionary fund has also made available to support other impacted businesses. - Read More

The CJRS has been extended to 31‌‌‌ ‌March 2021 for all parts of the UK, and HMRC has updated its guidance.  Further information has now also been published on the eligibility criteria for the third SEISS grant. - Read More

We may not be able to hold our usual office Christmas parties this year, but HMRC has confirmed that any virtual celebrations are tax exempt, subject to the normal conditions. - Read More

Employees working from home can claim a tax break of £6 a week from HMRC for additional household costs, even if they spend some days in the office. - Read More

The furlough scheme was due to end on 31 October 2020, but due to the 2nd lockdown it will now last until the end of March 2021. Employers can claim a grant for up to 80% of their employees’ usual pay, for the hours that they are unable to work. - Read More

Following the announcement of a second lockdown, the Chancellor has confirmed that support for the third round of the SEISS grant will be increased up to 80%, from November until March 2021. - Read More

The government has announced the availability of new business grants for Lockdown 2.0, as well as a local authority grant fund worth £1.1 billion, and the extension of government-guaranteed loan schemes. - Read More

Tax return deadline day is looming. If the ongoing upheaval of coronavirus and a deferred Payment on Account means you won't be able to pay your self assessment tax bill in full by 31 January, you can set up an agreement with HMRC to pay it in instalments. - Read More

The government has announced that businesses which have been required to close for at least three weeks due to temporary Covid-19 local lockdown restrictions, will be able to claim a Local Restrictions Support Grant (LRSG). - Read More

UPDATED 01/10/20: The Chancellor's Winter Economy Plan is designed to help businesses that are suffering from the ongoing economic threat of coronavirus. Here’s what you need to know about how these new measures may affect you. - Read More

The impact of Covid-19 on the UK’s public finances recently led the Treasury Select Committee to launch a new inquiry called ‘Tax after coronavirus’. - Read More

UPDATED 07/10/20: Employers who keep their staff on for three months after the furlough scheme ends in October, will receive a £1,000 Job Retention Scheme bonus per employee - find out how you can claim it. - Read More