An advisory firm is stating that there is not much that sole traders in the UK can do to make sure that errors in the payments of the second SEISS grant do not occur.

Integrated Dispute Resolution (IDR) is arguing that avoiding the overpayments of the grants that happened the first time around is dependent on HMRC getting things right, rather than anything applicants do. The first SEISS grants led to HMRC making payments to 16,200 sole traders across the country that were either too much or that applicants were not actually eligible for.

Speaking to Freelance UK, Kevin Humphreys from IDR said that it was still unclear what exactly had caused this to happen, adding:

“Applicants are only required to submit very basic details confirming their identity online, and the rest is left to HMRC to work out and duly pay their SEISS entitlement.”

He added that those applying for the second grant who received the correct amount the first time could ease their minds by comparing their second payment to the first one to make sure the figure checks out. An accountant for sole traders in South Yorkshire or any other area of the country will be able to help them with this if they are unsure.

Humphreys concluded by saying that those who were paid the wrong amount the first time should reference the correct figure on the letters they will have received from HMRC to ensure the second grant is paid correctly.