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<p>It has not been possible to include those who began trading after the 2018-19 tax
year in the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme. This was a very difficult decision
and it was taken for practical reasons. It is correct that individuals can now submit
Income Tax Self Assessment returns for 2019-20, but there would be significant risks
for the public purse if the Government relied on these returns for the scheme. HMRC
would not be able to distinguish genuine self-employed individuals who started trading
in 2019-20 from fake applications by fraudulent operators and organised criminal gangs
seeking to exploit the SEISS. The Government cannot expose the tax system to these
risks.</p><p> </p><p>The Chancellor of the Exchequer has said there will be no further
extension or changes to the SEISS. However, the newly self-employed may still be eligible
for other financial support provided by the Government. The SEISS is one element of
a comprehensive package of support for individuals and businesses, including the newly
self-employed. This package includes Bounce Back loans, tax deferrals, rental support, increased
levels of Universal Credit, mortgage holidays, and other business support grants.
More information about the full range of business support measures is available at:
<a href="http://www.gov.uk/government/collections/financial-support-for-businesses-during-coronavirus-covid-19"
target="_blank">www.gov.uk/government/collections/financial-support-for-businesses-during-coronavirus-covid-19</a>.</p>
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