COVID-19 Update – 9 March – Pre-verification checks for new SEISS claims

Some taxpayers who became newly self-employed during 2019/2020 will be able to apply for the fourth SEISS grant, but you might have to complete pre-verification checks before being able to make a claim.

HMRC will be writing to 10,000 taxpayers who became newly self-employed in 2019/20 and wish to claim the fourth and fifth SEISS grant, asking them to confirm their identity and provide evidence of trade on a phone call with HMRC within 10 working days of receiving a letter. These letters will be issued between 8 March and Mid-April 2021.

On the call, HMRC will ask the taxpayer to confirm their email address and agree to receive a link to a secure Dropbox. They will then have two days to upload one form of identity and three months’ worth of bank statements to demonstrate their business activity, before the link expires.

HMRC have reiterated they will only make 3 attempts to phone each individual and it is down to the taxpayers to ensure HMRC hold the correct phone number for them. Where they are unsuccessful in reaching the taxpayer, HMRC will issue a further letter notifying you because where checks are not complete you will be unable to claim a grant.