On Friday 26 November 2021, the government announced new corona measures for a minimum period of three weeks. To assist affected companies, the government will considerably expand the economic support package. This Newsflash outlines the NOW 5, TVL Q4 2021 and a number of fiscal measures.

NOW 5

Economic operators that suffered a minimum turnover loss of 20%, may apply for NOW 5 for the months of November and December 2021. Like the previous NOW schemes, the aim of this measure is to continue to pay staff and safeguard employment to the extent possible. The NOW 5 also covers the salaries of employees with flexible contracts.

The conditions of NOW 5 are largely similar to those of NOW 4. For example, under NOW 5 the reimbursement also amounts to 85% of the total wage bill. The wage bill reference month for NOW 5 is September 2021. Unlike the previous NOW schemes, the period over which the turnover loss is calculated cannot be chosen. The measurement period for the loss of turnover is November and December 2021, which turnover is set off against the reference turnover, i.e. one sixth of the annual turnover for 2019. This time, start-up economic operators also qualify for the NOW 5. One condition is, however, that they started their business no later than 30 September 2021.

TVL Q4 2021

New applications for the TVL can be submitted for the Q4 2021. In order to benefit from the TVL, a company must be able to demonstrate a minimum loss in turnover of 30% compared to Q4 2019 or Q1 2020. The subsidy percentage has been increased from 85% to 100% and the maximum subsidy amount for an SME has been increased from € 250,000 to € 550,000. For non-SMEs this amount has been increased from € 250,000 to € 600,000. However, the state aid limit, which was increased from € 1.8 million to € 2.3 million, must be taken into account.

Tax measures

Previously introduced tax measures will be extended. This applies to the previously granted special tax deferral, which is automatically extended. Companies which have not yet applied for a special tax deferral or that have not yet paid off all their tax debts may still apply for a special deferral.

The extended deferral applies to all taxes that qualify for deferral under the Corona Crisis Emergency Measures Decree and with a payment deadline before 1 February 2022. The quarterly turnover tax return for the last quarter of 2021, for example, is one of these taxes that qualify. This tax debt - if not paid - will be added to the tax debt that must be repaid within 60 months as from 1 October 2022.

Furthermore, the interest rate on overdue tax will remain at 0.01% for another six months (until July 2022). Thereafter, this rate will gradually increase to 4% in 18 months.

Would you like more information?

Would you like more information about the economic support package? Please contact your regular RSM consultant.