COVID–19: Dealing with HMRC during the crisis

Updated 11 May 2020: ICAEW’s Tax Faculty summarises what we know so far about communicating and transacting with HMRC during the COVID-19 crisis.

COVID-19: Impact of reduced hours and furloughing on working tax credits

Updated 4 November: Entitlement to working tax credits varies according to the number of hours worked. The Tax Faculty explains the impact of reduced working hours, temporary lay-offs and furloughing on tax credits and when HMRC needs to be informed.

Deadlines for tax consultations extended

30 April: The government has announced new timelines for a number of consultations, including on raising standards in the tax advice market, in the light of the coronavirus pandemic.

Has coronavirus given us a reason to rethink the taxation of work?

28 April: As COVID-19 dramatically changes the way in which we work, the House of Lords is recommending that the government rethinks IR35’s expansion and looks for a better way to tax work. Anita Monteith outlines the recommendations.

ICAEW calls for withdrawal of Finance Bill clauses

27 April: ICAEW has urged government to withdraw and consult on changes to inheritance tax rules on excluded property and the tax liabilities of company directors. It’s also called for the delay to changes to capital gains tax relief for private residences and raised concerns over the recovery of taxes in insolvency cases.

COVID-19: Reclaims of statutory sick pay will be state aid

27 April: HMRC has confirmed that reclaims of employees' coronavirus-related statutory sick pay qualify as state aid under the EU commission’s COVID-19 temporary framework which caps support.

HMRC updates CJRS guidance again

27 April: Updated guidance from HMRC includes how to report wages using RTI, a new calculator and more explanation about who qualifies. ICAEW’s Tax Faculty outlines the changes and shares a new downloadable template.

A remarkable start to the tax year

24 April: The coronavirus pandemic has ripped up convention in every element of daily life, and the UK tax system has been no exception. Read a round-up of the key announcements, deferrals and changes.

CJRS – emerging issues and answers

Updated 30 June 2020: The Tax Faculty has expanded its popular 'Top 10 things we don't know' article to summarise additional emerging issues about the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) and the answers that HMRC has provided.

Wait to file company tax returns online

22 April: HMRC has told companies to hold off submitting company tax returns for periods ending on or after 1 April 2020 while it updates systems following rates changes in the Budget.

Final call for 2018/19 Tax Returns to qualify for SEISS

22 April: ICAEW is reminding members that self-assessment tax returns for 2018/19 must be submitted by 23 April to ensure eligibility for the Self Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS), as it shares the latest guidance in a webinar.

HMRC's latest updates for agents

20 April: ICAEW’s Tax Faculty highlights current issues and reminders for agents, including: non-resident landlords, quarterly instalment payments, tax credit renewals, child benefit claims, ATED and the construction industry scheme.

COVID-19: HMRC confirms agent authorisation for CJRS claims

17 April: The Tax Faculty has received an update from HMRC on authorising agents to make Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) grant applications on behalf of clients. Read the step-by-step guide.

Last-minute extension and new guidance for furlough scheme

17 April: A month-long extension to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme and last minute help and support has been announced by the government less than 72 hours before launch.

COVID-19: HMRC speeds up PAYE online services application

16 April: Businesses setting up an online account to apply for a Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) grant no longer need to wait for an authentication code in the post.