UK – HMRC annual share plan returns – 5 top tips to ensure you are ready for 6 July 2015

Posted on 1st January, 2015
, in UK 
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Estimated reading time 4 minutes

A new online registration and filing regime for share plans came into force on 6 April 2014; the first annual filing deadline under the new regime will be 6 July 2015.  Set out below are 5 top tips for companies to ensure a smooth transition to the new regime. 1. Don’t leave it until the last minute Although 6 July may seem a long time away, you should start the registration process as soon as possible.  There are quite a few steps to go through before you are in a position to make the filings, and you should build in time to deal with any technical difficulties. 2. Work out what share plans/arrangements need to be registered You should register any share plan under which there are existing options or awards outstanding.  If employees acquire shares outside of a formal share plan you will still need to register the arrangement and you can register your non-tax advantaged arrangements either separately or as one plan.  Even if there is no reportable event in the 2014/15 year, it will be necessary to submit a nil return for each plan registered. 3. Start using the HMRC templates to record your data HMRC have published template spreadsheets for each type of annual return on which the relevant data must be recorded and then uploaded as part of the filing.  There is very little scope for changing the format of the template spreadsheets, so it can save time later down the line if you start using the templates to record your data. 4. Ensure you keep records of all information included in the filing One of the quirks of the new online filing system is that companies and their agents will have no access to annual return information that has been submitted.  Therefore, it is very important that you take screenshots of the relevant pages of the online filing process and keep copies of all data schedules submitted. 5. Ensure your tax advantaged plans are compliant Although tax advantaged plans (CSOP, SIP and SAYE) will no longer require specific approval from HMRC, companies will need to declare as part of the online registration process that the plan meets the relevant legislative requirements. HMRC has confirmed that if a plan was previously approved by HMRC before 6th April 2014, it will not raise enquiries into whether the plan satisfies the legislative requirements.  However, if you have made any changes to a ‘key feature’ of a tax advantaged plan after that date, you will need to confirm compliance again as part of the next following annual return. Resources Further information For further information or to discuss any of the issues raised, please contact Jonathan Fletcher Rogers at Abbiss Cadres on (+44) 203 051 5711. Disclaimer Content is for general information purposes only.  The information provided is not intended to be comprehensive and it does not constitute or contain legal or other advice.  If you require assistance in relation to any issue please seek specific advice relevant to your particular circumstances.  In particular, no responsibility shall be accepted by the authors or by Abbiss Cadres LLP for any losses occasioned by reliance on any content appearing on or accessible from this article.  For further legal information see our legal page. Circular 230 disclosure To ensure compliance with requirements imposed by the IRS and other taxing authorities, we inform you that any tax advice contained in this article (including any attachments) is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of (i) avoiding penalties that may be imposed on any taxpayer or (ii) promoting, marketing or recommending to another party any transaction or matter addressed herein. Copying If you would like to copy or otherwise reproduce this article then you may do so provided that: (1) any such copy or reproduction is for your own personal use or if it is made available to any third party it is done so on a free of charge basis; and (2) the article is reproduced in full together with the contact details, disclaimer and any logos as they appear on each article.