Revenue advise that eligible businesses can now register for CRSS

Details of the proposed Covid Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS) were published in the Finance Bill 2020. Pending enactment of the necessary legislation Revenue has today, 3 November 2020, advised that registration for the scheme is now available to eligible businesses, or the tax agent acting on their behalf, via the e-Registration facility in ROS, with over 700 businesses already registered.

Under the CRSS, a qualifying person who carries on a business activity that is impacted by Covid-19 related restrictions, such that the business is required to prohibit or considerably restrict customers from accessing its premises, can make a claim to Revenue for a payment, subject to a maximum of €5,000, for each week that it is affected by the restrictions.

The weekly payment will be calculated by reference to the average weekly turnover for 2019 in respect of the relevant business activity as follows:

  • 10% of average weekly turnover in 2019 up to €20,000
  • 5% of average weekly turnover in 2019 in excess of €20,000
  • and
  • subject to a maximum of €5,000.

Where a qualifying person carries on more than one eligible business activity from separate business premises, a claim in respect of each activity can be made.

To register for CRSS, the eligible business must:

  • make a declaration that it meets the eligibility criteria for the scheme
  • have tax clearance
  • and
  • provide certain information in relation to the business activity, the business premises and previous turnover details.

The relevant turnover details provided as part of the registration process must be consistent with the information included in the relevant tax returns of the business and will be validated against the information already held on Revenue systems.

Detailed guidance on how the CRSS will operate based on the proposed legislation, including how to register for the scheme.

Registration for CRSS is a necessary first step for businesses to access the scheme. A claim portal in respect of CRSS will be available via the eRepayments system on ROS from mid-November.