WIREDGOV

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) is issuing an urgent reminder to employers – file your annual return online by the 19 May deadline, or you could face a penalty.

Employer Annual Returns must be sent to HMRC by the 19 May filing deadline. Failure to do so will almost certainly result in a late-filing penalty. In previous years, an extra-statutory concession gave employers extra time before HMRC charged a penalty, but this has now been withdrawn.

And from this year, employers will be liable to a penalty if they file their annual return on paper (with some very limited exceptions, such as certain individuals who employ their own carer). Last year, no penalty was charged for employers with five or fewer employees, but these transitional arrangements have now ended.

Smaller employers, or their agents or bureaux, can file their employee data securely online using HMRC’s ‘Online Return and Forms – PAYE’ product. And employers with fewer than 10 employees can use HMRC’s Basic PAYE Tools (formerly Employer CD-ROM) to file their Employer Annual Return online.

To help you get your return right first time, HMRC has published a list of common errors to avoid on its website at www.hmrc.gov.uk/paye/payroll/year-end/errors.htm.

Further help is available from HMRC via its Employers Helpline on 08457 143 143 or online at www.hmrc.gov.uk/paye.

Notes to editors

1. Employers must file an Employer Annual Return – a P14 for each employee and a P35 summary sheet – by 19 May. They must do this online (with some very limited exceptions, for example, people who employ their own carer and those with religious objections).

2. Follow HMRC on Twitter @HMRCgovuk.

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Issued by HM Revenue & Customs Press Office Press enquiries only please contact:

Contacts:

Helen Jones
Phone: 020 7147 2328
helen.a.jones@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk

HMRC Out of Hours
Phone: 07860 359544
NDS.HMRC@coi.gsi.gov.uk