Problems repaying corona support: step-by-step plan
You have made use of corona support schemes, such as the TVL, NOW, or Tozo. And now you need to repay (a part of) this support. What if you do not have the money? Read in this step-by-step plan what you can do to solve your financial problems.
It is important that you take action as quickly as possible. That way, you prevent others from taking decisions for you. For example, the bank ending your loan when you cannot repay it. Or a supplier engaging a bailiff because you did not pay your bills.
1. Map out your repayments and debts
Make sure your business records are current and up to date.- For all types of corona support you received, map out whether you have to repay anything and when this money is due.
- Find out when you must start paying off loans and tax debts.
- Make an overview of invoices that you still have to pay (creditors), and which invoices you still have to collect (debtors).
- Make an estimate of turnover and sales for the remainder of 2021.
Read more: Repaying corona support: all you need to know and do
2. Check what you spent the corona support on
You must repay corona support if you received more than you were entitled to. For example, because your turnover was higher, or because your wage costs were lower than expected. Do you not have the money for repayments? Find out what you spent it on. You can then decide on the best solution.External financing
Did you invest the money received in company assets? Then refinancing might be an option for you. This is when you take out a loan for which the term is equal to the period of use of the asset. You can do this through a bank or through an alternative financing source. Refinancing is only possible if you can regain the loan amount during the term of the loan. Adjust your business model as needed.Collect outstanding invoices
Do you not have the money because your customers are not paying or are paying too late? For example, because they are having problems themselves due to the corona crisis. Read this step-by-step plan to find out what you can do to get your money when your customer does not pay their invoice. For new deliveries, consider requesting a deposit or prepayment. And see whether there are other ways to free up money from your own company.3. Payment arrangements corona support
If you do not have the money to make repayments on time, see if you can come to payment arrangements with the executors of the arrangements, your creditors.- You can request a payment arrangement for the TVL and TOGS (in Dutch) from RVO.
- You can request a payment arrangement for the NOW (in Dutch) from UWV.
- If you have to repay Tozo or TONK, this will go through your municipality.
Tax debts
Keep in mind that if you applied for the special tax payment extension, you must start paying off your accrued tax debt from 1 October 2022.4. Seek help
Would you like to talk to someone about your situation? Contact the advisors of the KVK Financing Desk. They think along with you and can refer you to other organisations if necessary, such as:- Ondernemersklankbord (OKB, in Dutch): an national network of former entrepreneurs and specialists that help you get insight into your company and business operations. They share their extensive experience and specific professional knowledge on a volunteer basis, only asking you to donate to OKB.
Free coaching due to corona crisis
To offer help during the corona crisis, OKB's services are currently free of charge. - MKB Doorgaan (in Dutch): a nation-wide organisation that helps viable SMEs and self-employed professionals without staff keep their business healthy. They cooperate with banks, the Tax Administration, accountancy firms, and a network of 160 specialised parties who provide further support. The first appointment is free of charge.
- Your accountant or bookkeeper can also think along with you about what you can do.