HMRC Sets out Penalties for Late PAYE Returns

HMRC is writing to all employers who have not yet submitted their online 2011/12 annual returns reminding them that penalties will be charged for late filing.

The deadline for Employer Annual Returns, which provide information on employees’ tax and national insurance deductions during the tax year, must be submitted online to HMRC by 19 May.

If companies file a return late, they will be charged a penalty of £100 per 50 employees for each month, or part month, that the return is outstanding.

Employers must file an Employer Annual Return – a P14 for each employee and a P35 summary sheet - online. There are a few very limited exceptions to online filing, for example, people who employ their own carer and those with religious objections.

Employers who are not registered for online filing need to sign up, as a matter of urgency, for HMRC’s PAYE Online service.

Compliance details are available from the HMRC employers' helpline on 08457 143 143 or click here