Online filing of employee share schemes returns

Frequently Asked Questions

Contents

Q. Is online filing of employee share scheme returns mandatory?

A. No. Although companies are encouraged to use the online filing service they can still complete and send in paper returns. Please see the 2006-07 share scheme returns page for details.

Q. Which Employee Share Scheme forms can I send electronically?

A. The new electronic service is available from the 6 April 2007 and allows companies to report information currently provided on Forms 34 (SAYE), 35 (CSOP), 39 (SIP) and 42 (employment-related securities) about events occurring in the year to 5 April 2007. It is not possible to submit Form 40 (EMI) information online and so these will need to be completed on paper and sent to the Small Companies Enterprise Centre.

Q. Can I submit a nil return using the online service?

A. Yes, online filing also allows companies to make nil returns.

Q. I have completed Form 42 using the form on the Employer CD ROM, is this online filing?

A. No, the Employer CD ROM has an interactive Form 42 and companies can continue to use this facility but this is not online filing. If you choose to use the Form 42 on the Employer CD ROM, you will need to print off the completed Form and send it to us.

Q. Are there any incentives for using the employee share schemes online filing service?

A. No. However, there are many benefits to using HMRC’s Online Services, for example:

  • Sending or receiving information online is secure, convenient and quick.
  • It is more reliable and efficient than using paper, and can cut down on storage space, post and administration.
  • As information usually passes between computers without manual intervention, there is less chance of it being misinterpreted, or of mistakes being made.

Q. How does share schemes online filing work? Who do I contact for further help?

A. If you have a technical enquiry about the online service you will need to contact the Online Services Helpdesk. If your enquiry is about employee share schemes then you can contact the ESSU team.

Q. I have purchased the software necessary for share schemes online filing, but I need guidance on making it work

A. You will need to contact your software supplier if you are having problems operating the software.

Q. Can you send me a copy of the online return to keep as proof of delivery?

A. No, but you will receive an electronic acknowledgement to say your submission of information has been successful.

Q. How do I know when you have received my returns?

A. Upon receipt of any part or full submission, the system will send an appropriate response message to tell you that submission has been successful. This may include additional information to explain whether the submission has passed or failed validation and whether we are expecting further parts to complete the submission.

Q. I have received a message saying the online submission was unsuccessful because the PAYE reference number was incorrect

A. In some cases the PAYE reference number on the Employee Share Schemes Online service will not match the number you are using to make the online submission. You will need to contact ESSU so that we can update the PAYE reference number on our Employee Share Scheme records to enable you to make a successful submission. If the problem persists then you should contact the Online Services Helpdesk.

Q. Is the deadline for submitting online share schemes returns (Forms 34, 35 and 39) the same as for paper returns?

A. Yes. For approved schemes you have three months from the date of issue to submit the return. As these returns were not issued until 10 April 2007 you have until 9 July 2007 to submit the return.

Q. The Notice to File says the approved share scheme return must be submitted by 6 July 2007. Is this correct?

A. The Notice to File would normally have been issued on 6 April 2007 and the last day for submitting the return would have been 6 July 2007. But because of the Easter holidays it was posted on 10 April 2007 so you have until 9 July 2007 to send in the return.

Q. What is the deadline for making a Form 42 return for reporting events about employment-related securities?

A. The Form 42 return for 2006-07, whether by paper or online, has to be made by the 6 July 2007.

Q. I do not have all the information ready for submitting my return online, does the service allow storing parts of the return that can be completed?

A. You are advised not to commence input unless all information is to hand in order to complete the online process as the service only allows for one submission and it is not possible to amend after the event. Any companies wishing to make any amendments to previously accepted complete submissions will need to contact the Employee Shares & Securities Unit.