The UK Government announced the details of its new coronavirus job retention and self-employment income support schemes last month. We will continue to engage with HMRC on members’ behalf in respect of this scheme and other business and employer supports in relation to COVID-19. We will share the most up-to-date information with members as it becomes available.

HMRC has changed the dedicated phone number for the coronavirus helpline targeted at businesses and the self-employed to 0800 024 1222. All calls to the original 0300 number will be redirected to the new helpline. Opening hours for the helpline are 8am to 4pm Monday to Friday.

HMRC has also temporarily changed the way it deals with stamp duty payments on shares bought on a stock transfer form, and will no longer accept cheques. Stamp duty must now be paid electronically only by Faster Payment, Bacs or CHAPs. Details of the transaction must be emailed to HMRC rather than sent by post. Any payments sent as a cheque will not be banked until coronavirus measures end, meaning that the transaction will not be processed.

The following measures were also announced:

• The second self-assessment income tax payment on account for 2020/21, which is due on 31 July 2020, is being deferred to January 2021. No penalties or interest for late payment will be charged in the deferral period; and
• The Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme, launched at Budget, will now be interest-free for 12 months.

The guidance for employers and businesses has also been updated:

• https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19/covid-19-support-for-businesses
• https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19/covid-19-guidance-for-employees