Covid Level 5 Supports

24 October 2020

The following is a summary of the main supports available during the Level 5 restrictions of 22 October – 2 December 2020 :

Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS): To enter this scheme you need to project that your turnover for the period July – December 2020 will be down at least 30% on the same period in 2019. For the Level 5 restrictions, the subsidy will be paid weekly rather than monthly, and the rates of payment have increased. The EWSS is expected to be extended past its current end date of 31st March 2021.

Restart Grant Plus: To be eligible for this grant, you need to have demonstrated that your turnover for the period April – June 2020 is down at least 25% on the same period the previous year. The closing date for applications is 31st October 2020. If you have already received Restart Grant payments, you should not reapply for Restart Grant Plus.

Enterprise Support Grant: If you are not a commercial rates payer you may be entitled to up to €1,000 to restart your business. Further information is available here.

Covid Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS): To be eligible for this scheme, your turnover for the period of restrictions must be no more than 25% of the turnover for a period equal to the same number of weeks in 2019 (or using 2020 turnover for a new business). Registration is expected in the coming weeks, with claims process commencing mid-November. The scheme will run from 13 October 2020 to 31 March 2021.

The relief will operate as a cash payment equal to 10% of the average weekly value of the 2019 business’s turnover up to €20,000 and 5% thereafter, subject to a maximum weekly payment of €5,000, for the same number of weeks as the restricted period (Levels 3, 4 and 5).

Other Industry Specific Grants: The RTE website maintains a list of supports available which can be accessed here.

Income Tax Non-Covid Debts: If you underpaid preliminary tax for 2019, this is regarded as a non-Covid debt which will qualify for the reduced rate of interest of 3% under instalment. Your return must be filed by 31st October to avoid a late filing surcharge, however you can apply for the reduced rate instalment arrangement up to 10th December.

Income Tax Covid Debts: If you are unable to pay the balance of your income tax liability after preliminary tax, this is considered to be Covid related debt so it may be warehoused for up to 12 months. Your return must be filed by 31st October to avoid a late filing surcharge as your liability is not being paid in full at the filing date.