Who files it
The company secretary, or the person acting as company secretary, must complete an online end of year return on or before 6 July for each registered and self-certified Schedule 4 CSOP.
Attachment or nil return?
Upload the CSOP attachment only where there are outstanding qualifying options and there has been CSOP options activity in the tax year. If the scheme is registered but there are no outstanding qualifying options, or there are options but no activity, file a nil return instead.
Use the right template
HMRC publishes two CSOP templates on the CSOP template page: one for the 2023 to 2024 tax year onwards, with sheet names ending _V5, and one for earlier years, ending _V4. Use the 2023 to 2024 onwards template for current returns.
| Sheet | What goes on it |
|---|---|
| CSOP_OptionsGranted_V5 | CSOP options granted in the tax year |
| CSOP_OptionsRCL_V5 | Options released (including exchanges), cancelled or lapsed in the tax year for a consideration. If no consideration was received, nothing is needed for that event. |
| CSOP_OptionsExercised_V5 | Options exercised in the tax year |
Unlike EMI, CSOP grants go on the annual return.
Rules that catch people out
- The date of grant must be within the tax year the return covers.
- Values in pounds sterling to 4 decimal places. Round up figures ending in 5 or more and round down figures ending in 4 or less.
- Leave cells that do not apply blank. "N/A" or "not applicable" gets the attachment rejected.
- Do not change the structure or formatting of the template. Upload the whole workbook, blank sheets included.
- In your own CSV files, the column headings must match HMRC's technical note exactly, punctuation included.
- AIM and PISCES are not recognised stock exchanges for these questions.
Submitting it
Upload the file in the ERS online service under "Submit annual returns" for the scheme and tax year. See how to submit an ERS return. Share Scheme Return checks CSOP files and fills in the 2023 to 2024 onwards template.
Based on HMRC's published guidance: CSOP guidance notes, from 2023 to 2024. CSOP technical notes, from 2023 to 2024. CSOP end of year template. Checked on 21 October 2026. This is general guidance, not tax advice, and HMRC's own pages take priority if they change. Share Scheme Return is not affiliated with HMRC.
Let the free checker find these for you
Load your option register or finished return and see every row HMRC is likely to reject, with the reason and the fix. Nothing is uploaded, and you don't need an account.