HMRC have introduced a temporary measure to help in claims for tax relief on the destruction of spoilt beer, cider or wine during the Coronavirus pandemic.
Under normal circumstances for tax relief claims on spoilt alcohol, its destruction must be supervised by an Authorised Company Representative (ACR) from the brewery, cider producer or winery. HMRC agree that due to social distancing requirements this is currently difficult to follow.
New rules
- A publican or agreed person can be appointed to carry out the destruction of spoilt beer, cider or wine.
- This temporary change will apply while coronavirus social distancing restrictions remain in place and HMRC will give at least 30 days’ notice before withdrawing the temporary measures.
You must continue to keep:
- An audit trail confirming the destruction of duty-paid alcohol.
- Evidence of a full credit of the duty paid, or replacement of the goods to your customer or the owner of the goods at the time they became spoilt.
- A spoilt beer, cider, wine or made-wine record.
HMRC suggest that evidence suitable for claiming relief can include a video. The agreed person at the premises can record this and give this to the brewer, cider producer or wine and made-wine maker for their records.
External link
HMRC Guidance: Destroying spoilt beer, cider, wine or made-wine during coronavirus (COVID-19)