CKLG BLOG

Self-Employed Income Support Scheme (SEISS) Grants: Pre-verification checks

12.04.2021

Business

Due to the concern about fraudulent Self-Employed Income Support Scheme (SEISS) grant claims - HMRC are operating a pre-verification process for up to 100,000 taxpayers who may be eligible for the 4th and 5th SEISS grants.

Between 8 March to mid-April 2021, HMRC will write to taxpayers informing them that they will receive a pre-verification call, for the 4th grant, within 10 days of receiving the letter.

HMRC will attempt to call up to 3 times before sending a second letter.

Verification documents required for 4th SEISS grant application 

During the call, taxpayers will need to agree to receive a link to a secure Dropbox - where they will have to upload one form of identity and three months of bank statements.

Important: Taxpayers who receive the letter but fail to upload the verification documents will not be eligible to receive the grant.

The Dropbox link expires after 48hrs therefore it is crucial that taxpayers do not delay in complying with the requirements. We also recommend that taxpayers ensure that both their postal address and telephone number are up to date on their HMRC accounts.

Be aware of fraudulent calls

While HMRC are trying to prevent fraud at their end - this process may leave some taxpayers at risk of receiving fraudulent calls.

Never give personal details to unexpected callers, claiming to be HMRC, that do not fall within HMRC’s specified contact schedule

Check list of genuine HMRC contact details

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/check-a-list-of-genuine-hmrc-contacts.

Official industry bodies are consulting with HMRC on how to deal with cases where calls are suspected to be scams due to being received before the letters (following postal delays) and how the process may work for the digitally excluded.

Contact Business Services    

Applying for the 4th SEISS grant? Speak to the Business Services Team at CKLG Accountants on 01223 810 100