Under the CRSS, a business that is impacted by Covid-19 related restrictions – including closure, can make a claim to Revenue for a payment for each week that it is affected by the restrictions. The details of the COVID-19 Restrictions Support Scheme (CRSS) are set out in the Finance Act 2020.

Qualifying businesses can apply to Revenue for a cash payment of up to €5,000 a week.

The scheme runs from 13 October 2020 until 30 June 2021.

This page is a summary of the CRSS rules and operation. You can get more detailed guidance on the operation of the scheme in Revenue’s CRSS Guidelines (pdf).

Overview

The support will be available to eligible businesses who carry on a business activity that is impacted by COVID-19 restrictions. The business must have been required to prohibit or considerably restrict customers from accessing their business premises. Generally, this refers to COVID-19 restrictions at Level 3, 4 or 5 as explained in the Government’s Plan for Living with COVID-19. Certain businesses may qualify for the support where lower levels of restrictions are in operation. The specific restrictions applying to businesses are provided for in regulations made by the Department of Health.

Eligible businesses can make a claim to Revenue for a payment known as an Advance Credit for Trading Expenses (ACTE). An ACTE is payable for each week a business is affected by the restrictions.

The CRSS is expected to continue until 30 June 2021.

Scheme rates

The ACTE is equal to 10% of the average weekly turnover of the business in 2019 up to €20,000, plus 5% on turnover over €20,000. In the case of new businesses, the turnover is based on the average actual weekly turnover in 2020. The ACTE is subject to a maximum weekly payment of €5,000.

Note: The article is a quick snippet from Revenue for information purposes only and does not constitute legal or other advice.