HMRC issued a reminder to employers to file the Employer Annual Return by the 19 May deadline.

Large employers, with 50 or more employees had to file their 2008/09 Employer Annual Return online. Smaller employers, with fewer than 50 employees, could still file their return on paper, but those who filed online qualified for a £75 tax-free payment.

To file online, employers had to first register with HMRC's “PAYE Online for Employers” service. It could take up to a week to get the Activation PIN after registering, so employers were advised not to leave it until the last minute. Agents, tax advisers or payroll bureaux could also file on behalf of employers. Small employers would still qualify for the £75 tax-free payment, even if an intermediary filed online for them.

Full details of the helpline and demon podcast are available at https://nds.coi.gov.uk/environment/fullDetail.asp?ReleaseID
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