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For all individuals who started their business in 2019/20 will need to provide further evidence to HMRC to claim the SEISS grant. 

HMRC are asking approximately 100,000 self-employed traders to confirm their identify and provide evidence that they have been trading before they are able to claim the fourth SEISS grant. If the information requested is not supplied, then you will not be able to receive the grant. 

For all taxpayers who began trading after 5 April 2019 as a self-employed individual will receive a letter from HMRC relating to the Verification of information for the SEISS grant. All new traders can claim the grant for the first time if they have submitted their 2019/20 tax return by 2 March 2021. 

How to complete the verification process to claim the fourth SEISS grant: 

1. A letter should arrive from HMRC between 10 March 2021 and mid-April 2021. The purpose of the letter is for HMRC to explain that you will be receiving a genuine call. HMRC are aware of the scam activity related to Coronavirus support schemes and feel more at ease in requesting further information. 
2. Up to 2 weeks after you receive the letter, you should expect a telephone call on the number that has been provided on your 2019/20 tax return. If you have provided an agent’s number, the HMRC officer will ask for your phone number as they need to speak to you directly.  HMRC will make a maximum of three attempts to contact you between 8am and 5.30pm, or the pre-verification process will automatically be failed. Please note, when receiving the call, the number will show as ‘Unknown’. 
3. When speaking to HMRC, you must either provide or confirm your email address and a Dropbox link will be attached where your information must be uploaded to. 
4. You must make a digital copy of a form of your ID, (for example, current drivers’ licence or passport). A copy of your UK business bank statement from 2019/20 is required for proof of business activity during 2019/20.  You will only be allowed two days to upload the documents to the Dropbox link provided by HMRC, as the link sent via email will expire after two days. If this is not completed, the pre-verification process will be failed. 
5. Once you have completed the verification process, an online portal will become available at the end of April to apply for the next SEISS grant. The date which is not yet confirmed. 

 For all self-employed individuals who will be applying for the grant, will have to complete the application process themselves. Agents are not permitted to claim SEISS grants on behalf of their clients. 

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Contact us if you have any questions or want to discuss the next steps for your business.