Dear PAYadvice.UK
More than 285,000 businesses have already applied for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme since it went live on Monday 20 April.
To be sure payment comes through to employers before the end of the month, applications need to be made today (Wednesday 22 April).
Accessing the system
We have noticed that some employers have had difficulty accessing the system because they do not have an active PAYE enrolment. In order to make a claim directly, employers need to:
- have a Government Gateway (GG) ID and password – if your client does not already have a GG account, they can apply here, or by going to GOV.UK and searching for ‘HMRC services: sign in or register’
- be enrolled for PAYE online – if your client isn’t registered yet they can do so now, or by going to GOV.UK and searching for ‘PAYE Online for employers’.
I’m pleased to say that we were able to investigate and resolve the issue quickly thanks to the agents who raised an issue with authorisations when the new system first went live on Monday morning.
Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme Calculator
We are updating the online calculator tool this afternoon, so that it covers more employment circumstances. The update will mean that you can use it to work out what employers can claim for most employees who are paid variable amounts each pay period, as well as those who are paid fixed amounts.
If you have already made a claim on behalf of an employer
Please retain all records and calculations for your claims, in case we need to contact you about them. Provided claims are made in accordance with HMRC’s published guidance, receipt of funds can be expected six working days after your application. Please do not contact us before this time.
HMRC will check claims made through the scheme and will act to protect public money against anyone who makes a claim using dishonest or fraudulent information.
Thank you for your support so far
We’d like to thank you for your support and patience throughout the development and launch of this service. The help you have provided to the businesses that you work with has also been invaluable.
We continue to be busy supporting customers at this time, so we would ask that you only call us if you can’t find what you need on GOV.UK or through our webchat service – this will leave our lines open for those who need our help most.
We’d encourage you to also protect your own credentials from potential scammers and opportunist criminal activity.
I wish you all the best at this challenging time.
Yours sincerely
Jim Harra
First Permanent Secretary and Chief Executive – HMRC
PAYadvice.UK 22/4/2020
