HMRC have issued some more details relating to the claims for the Self-Employed Income Support. The latest guidance was issued on 1 May. Details are in the link highlighted below.
As with many HMRC “guidance notes” issued recently, these tend to be quite basic, and, unfortunately, leave many questions unanswered. It is hoped that HMRC may rethink the method of claim, but at this moment, the latest guidance clearly states: “Your tax agent cannot make the claim for you”, meaning we cannot apply on your behalf.
The guidance goes on to indicate that you will require: –
- Your Self-assessment Unique Taxpayer Reference Number
- Your National Insurance Number
- Your Government Gateway ID and Password
- Bank account number and sort code for payment
Contact us if you are unable to locate 1 or 2 above. However, the biggest issue is likely to be item 3.
If you know your government gateway ID and Password you do not need to take any action a this time.
If you do not know or don’t have a government gateway ID and password we recommend that you apply as soon as the claim process is started – i.e. you are contacted by HMRC. If you apply sooner then you are at risk of needing to authenticate by post, which may delay the process. You may be able to submit a paper clim (full details have not yet been published) however this will also lead to delays in payment.
Details on the application process are set in the link below. This will take a few days before it is ready. If you need any assistance please contact us as soon as possible.
I am unable to complete my claim on line because when I am asked security question such as please confirm your address the answer I keep getting when I do confirm my address is sorry unable to verify who you are.
I do not have a driving licence or passport but was born and raised in the uk .
I have provided the HMRC with user id and national insurance number and password.
Hi Debra.
A number of our clients have had a few problems with their application, however they have all managed to get it to work in the end. I think that the problem that you might have is HMRC have an old address for you. Have you moved recently? If you prepare your own tax return, it may have the old address on it and unless you tick the box to say that you have a new address, HMRC won’t update your record with them.
I suggest that you try calling the HMRC online services help-desk on 0300 200 3600 at 8am on Monday…in fact, try 7.55am as there is usually someone there to answer the telephone and they sometimes do when, they don’t officially open until 8am. Speak to someone who should be able to verify your ID in another way and will be able to tell you why the online system is not able to verify you. Good luck!