What's the situation if your business hasn't been adversely affected by CV. Do you still put a claim in anyway?
You have to 'declare' that your business has been adversely affected by CV. They also state that they reserve the right to reclaim money granted that has been claimed fraudulently, over paid in error, etc.
If your tax return showed an increase in profits this tax year over what they worked out was the average over 3 years, then expect them to query it. The word "adversely" has strong connotations. But the word adversely is also open to interpretation and your interpretation could be very different from the government's interpretation.
In theory your business should be around 25% down on profits this tax year so far. If CV adversely affects your business in the next 3 months then your tax return regarding the business aspect of your return could show up to a 50% shortfall. Its easy for them to work it out as they know how much they paid you on the SES.
It’s not quite as cut and dried as that Spruce. There are many examples of how your business could have been adversely affected by covid19, without necessarily seeing a big reduction in profit.
They are providing support for those who have suffered
financially due to covid19. If you have managed to carry on and maintain your profits by focusing on other aspects of your business then financially you haven't been adversely affected by Covid19. The very reason you are in business is to make money. Your inability to earn money is the key factor for this grant.
I did say that your interpretation of the word adversely could well differ from the governments interpretation of the same word.
As per usual, the government hasn't clarified what they actually mean by the word adversely. It allows them to play different tunes on the same musical instrument. After all, all they needed to write was "has your business been adversely affected
financially by covid19" to make it clear.
In deeege's words "Had some time off self isolating? Had to stay at home whilst the Mrs works because no childcare available?" are reasons for your business being adversely affected by covid19. Lost a customer - no your business hasn't been adversely affected by loosing one customer unless its a large proportion of your work.
At the tail end of the day you have to answer you haven't claimed fraudulently. Fraud is most used in terms of finance and financial loss.
