[UK] Gloves come off HMRC furlough investigations in one week

Only one week remains until Tuesday October 20, the end of the 90 day period for individuals and businesses to disclose incorrect furlough claims to HMRC or risk investigation. On July 22, the Finance Bill received Royal Assent triggering the start of the 90 day period for businesses to notify HMRC about the receipt of furlough scheme payments which they were not entitled to get or keep.

For claim payments received before July 22, 2020, the 90 day period concludes next Tuesday. After this date, HMRC will have their ‘gloves off’ and may check up on any claim made and pursue incorrect claimants with both criminal and civil powers. The deadline applies to employers using the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) or furlough scheme and the self-employed who applied under the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS), in addition to those who received other direct support grants in error. Accountancy Daily has further details and advice for those affected. 

Only one week remains until Tuesday October 20, the end of the 90 day period for individuals and businesses to disclose incorrect furlough claims to HMRC or risk investigation. On July 22, the Finance Bill received Royal Assent triggering the start of the 90 day period for businesses to notify HMRC about the receipt of furlough scheme payments which they were not entitled to get or keep.

For claim payments received before July 22, 2020, the 90 day period concludes next Tuesday. After this date, HMRC will have their ‘gloves off’ and may check up on any claim made and pursue incorrect claimants with both criminal and civil powers. The deadline applies to employers using the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) or furlough scheme and the self-employed who applied under the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS), in addition to those who received other direct support grants in error. Accountancy Daily has further details and advice for those affected.