Employers urged to avoid late-filing penalties for annual returns

Firms have been reminded by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) that the date for submitting their 2008-09 employer annual returns has passed but that they could still avoid late-filing penalties.

The deadline for submitting the returns (P14s and P35s) was 19 May.

However, employers need to act very quickly if they are not to face a penalty charge.

HMRC said that a penalty will be issued if they haven’t received and accepted a full return by 23.59 on Tuesday 26 May where a firm files online or when the post is opened on Wednesday 27 May where a firm files by paper.

HMRC also confirmed that businesses with fewer than 50 employees will still be entitled to a £75 tax-free payment if they submit their returns online, even though the deadline has now passed.

For employers with 50 or more employees, filing online is compulsory.