Today's summer statement is a call to get us out more during July and August and shows how concerned the government is about the economy. 

The headline is the 50% discount up to £10 per head 'eat out to help out' scheme to use against food and soft drinks from Monday to Wednesday during August, which indeed it will. 

Two and half months after his first announcement on government help for businesses, on Friday the Chancellor amended and extended the self employed (SEISS) and employee (CJRS) grant schemes to reflect the anticipated gradual exit from the Coronavirus lockdown.

Now we've probably heard all the major Coronavirus announcements from the Chancellor, what choices do Director-Shareholder Limited Companies have to help them through this crisis? We provide a checklist below with signposting to the relevant part of gov.uk.

Time To Pay

Applicable to all companies and all taxes, you can call HMRC and agree a scheduled delay to paying your taxes. Have a realistic proposal that you can stick to. Signpost: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/tax-helpline-to-support-businesses-affected-by-coronavirus-covid-19

Time To File

Companies house will allow you to send in your accounts 3 months later than normal, a increase from the usual 9 months to 12 months, as long as you ask before the 9 month deadline.

The Chancellor yesterday evening announced further measures to help businesses with their cashflow to bridge the gap during this extended period of reduced income. Now the gym is closed make sure you 'work out' which the best ones for you.

Income Tax and VAT Deferrals

The self employed July 2020 income tax payment on account for the 2019/20 tax year, will be automatically deferred until January 2021 with no interest or penalties accruing. This appears to be for sole traders and partnerships only, and not include directors or employees also due to make payments on account. [EDIT: This has been amended and now seems to include anyone making payments on account under self assessment including directors or employee].

Similarly, VAT due between 20 March and 30 June 2020 won't be collected by HMRC. [EDIT: HMRC have amended their guidance and now state that if you pay by Direct Debit you need to cancel it in good time and reinstate it later]. You will have until 5 April 2021 to catch up with this deferral. VAT refunds will be made as usual. If you're on an annual VAT scheme to end of March, any VAT due will be deferred and if you're due a refund, that will be paid. You're still required to prepare your VAT return so you'll receive a refund as normal if one is due.