£4.9 million grant funding available to voluntary and community organisations

HMRC is inviting voluntary and community sector organisations to apply for grant funding so they can help HMRC’s customers who need extra support with their tax and making claims. Funding of £4.98m is available between 2021 and 2024, equating to £1.66m per year. Organisations can find out more, including how to apply for grant funding on GOV.UK. Applications are open until 27 November 2020. The funding recognises that some people are not comfortable or confident in dealing with HMRC directly. By working with voluntary and community organisations HMRC can provide tailored support to those who need extra help in getting their tax and claims right. This might include support for those who:

· cannot use HMRC’s online service

· have a disability or illness which means they need more support

· are older and need more help

· have language barriers

· are in debt and experiencing financial hardship, have mental health issues or are suffering extreme distress through life events, such as bereavement or the breakdown of a relationship

Bids for funding can be between £20,000 and £750,000, with a maximum threshold set at 50% of the organisation’s turnover (last audited accounts).