ERS annual return deadline: 6 July every year

The rule

If you operate an employment related securities (ERS) scheme, such as EMI, CSOP, SAYE or SIP, you must submit an end of year return, or a nil return, for every scheme by 6 July following the end of the tax year. This includes one-off awards or gifts of shares. The tax year runs from 6 April to 5 April.

Key dates

You still need to file if

• there were no transactions (file a nil return);
• you have appealed a late filing penalty;
• the scheme was registered in error, or is a duplicate;
• you did not get a reminder from HMRC (HMRC does not send them);
• you made a one-off award.

Schemes that have ended

If your scheme has ended and you have entered a final event date, you must submit any outstanding returns up to the date it ended. HMRC's example: a scheme that ends in October 2025 files its final return between 6 April 2026 and 6 July 2026.

Using an agent

An accountant or other agent can submit the return for you, but you are still liable for penalties if they submit it late.

If you miss it

HMRC charges £100 automatically, even if you are one day late. A further £300 follows at 3 months and another £300 at 6 months, and HMRC may charge £10 a day after 9 months. See ERS late filing penalties.

EMI grants have the same date

EMI options granted on or after 6 April 2024 must be notified to HMRC by 6 July following the end of the tax year of grant. That is the same date as the annual return, but it is a separate notification, not part of the return. Missing it risks losing the tax advantages. See HMRC's EMI notification guidance.