You are probably already aware of the Covid Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS) which was announced in Budget 2021 as a further support for businesses, where they are adversely affected by Covid-related restrictions. The details are set out in the Finance Bill 2020 and guidelines on the operation of the scheme, including the eligibility criteria, are available on the Revenue Website (under “Popular Topics – COVID-19 Support Schemes”).
The CRSS is a targeted support for businesses significantly impacted by restrictions introduced by the Government under public health regulations to combat the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. The support is directed at enabling eligible businesses to meet costs associated with their business premises, such as rent, insurance and utilities, at a time when, because of the specific terms of the restrictions announced by the Government, they cannot, for a period of time, provide goods or services to their customers from their business premises, or can only do so to a limited extent.
Eligible businesses can make a claim to Revenue for a payment (known as an Advance Credit for Trading Expenses) equal to 10% of the average weekly turnover of the business in 2019 up to €20,000, plus 5% on turnover over €20,000, subject to a maximum weekly payment of €5,000.
A qualifying person for the purposes of the CRSS is a company, self-employed individual or partnership. To be eligible under the scheme, the person must be able to demonstrate that, because of the Covid restrictions, the turnover for the period of the restrictions will be no more than 25% of an amount equal to the average weekly turnover of the business in 2019. The applicant must have tax clearance and, where applicable, have complied with VAT obligations.
Eligible businesses can register for the scheme on the Revenue Online Service (ROS). A claim portal for CRSS payments is now available via the eRepayments system on ROS. Once registered for CRSS, a business will be able to make a claim for the period during which the business is subject to restrictions. The scheme commenced on Budget day, 13 October and any businesses that were significantly impacted by restrictions at that time can claim from then but must have claimed within 8 weeks. Accordingly, businesses should register now to avoid losing out.
