It’s the third week of January already, which means that for those who haven’t yet filed tax returns, the 31st deadline is looming large. Before rushing off to do it though, check out these updates and reminders from HMRC, plus some other useful funding and event news:
HMRC Self Assessment Updates: HMRC has reminded those filling out a self-assessment this moth that they need to declare any COVID-19 grant payments, including from the Self Employment income Support Scheme, on their 2020/21 tax return. Other pandemic support payments may also be taxable, find more information here.
HMRC are waiving late filing fees for self-assessments for those who cannot file their return by the 31 January deadline, provided they file online by 28 February.
Late payment fees for self-assessments are also being waived for those who cannot pay by the 31 January deadline provided they pay their tax in full, or set up a Time to Pay arrangement, by 1 April.
Interest will still be payable from 1 February, so it is better to pay on time if possible. Find out more here.
Covid Cancellation Fund: Freelance creative professionals based in Scotland who have lost income as a consequence of COVID-19 because of the cancellation or postponement of work in the period 27 November 2021-31 March 2022 may be eligible for the Scottish government's Covid Cancellation Fund through Creative Scotland. The fund will not replace income lost through cancellation, but will provide a contribution of £500 to £2,000 to offset the impact. Find out more here.
Women’s Enterprise Scotland Conference 2022: This 2-day conference entitled ‘The Path to Economic Equality’ is an opportunity to learn, be inspired and engage with thought leaders to discuss, debate and put forward actions needed. Focus topics will cover: wellbeing, technology, education, finance, leadership, cultural impacts and the environment. The free to attend event will take place on the 22 and 23 February, 10am to 3pm. Find out more here.
National Rural Mental Health Forum Seminars: The next online seminar will take place on the the 27 of January, 11am to 1pm. Attendees will hear from Dr Claire Goodfellow, of the University of Glasgow, presenting and discussing on her work to better understand Mental Health Stigma and Mental Health Literacy in Young People, Tommy Watkin and Karen Jarvis, from Highland Carers' Support Service and Lisa-Jane Dock, from NHS 24, presenting on “Take some Breathing Space”. Register for this event here.
Scottish EDGE Application Workshop: Find out what makes a strong Scottish EDGE application, what the judging panel look for when assessing your application and how to deliver a 3-minute video presentation in this online workshop, to be held over Zoom on 25 of January at 10:00am. This could be the first step in your Scottish EDGE journey to winning funding of up to £100,000. Register here.
Visual Artist and Craft Makers Awards: The VACMA awards are open for applications from creatives across much of Scotland who have demonstrated a commitment to their work and in developing their practice through new work, new skills or new opportunities. Applicants can apply for fixed bursaries of £500 and £750. The deadline for this round is 1 February. Find out more here.
January Productivity Club: Brighten up the January blues with some fresh thinking — the January Productivity Club will focus on business processes and strategy in order to provide you with inspiration for the new year. The Club is interactive with group discussion, Q&A and networking opportunities. Dates for the different areas are as follows:
Productivity Club Central presents: Business processes & strategy – 20 January 3pm
Productivity Club North East presents: Business processes & strategy – 25 January 11am
Perthshire Artisans Is Open: Applications to join Perthshire Artisans are open! If you are a creative living and/or working in Perth & Kinross and are keen to learn more about becoming a Perthshire Artisan please click here for more information. The application deadline for this time round is the 19th of January.