Part 5: Other Employee Share Schemes
124.Paragraph 226 introduces a series of changes to Chapter 1 of Part 7 of ITEPA, which sets out general rules and requirements in relation to employment-related securities, including arrangements that are not tax advantaged.
125.Paragraphs 227-228 amend section 421J ITEPA concerning the duty to provide information to HMRC, and insert new provisions (new sections 421JA-421JF ITEPA) concerning annual returns, electronic submission, penalties and appeals. These changes reflect the shift to online filing of annual returns for employment-related securities and are consistent with the new provisions in this Schedule for the tax advantaged schemes.
126.New section 421JA ITEPA obliges a responsible person (as defined in section 421L) to make an annual return to HMRC for each tax year within their 'reportable event period'. Returns must contain the information required by HMRC, and be made not later than 6 July following the end of the tax year to which they relate. If they become aware of errors or inaccuracies in returns, the responsible person must provide amended returns correcting the position without delay. Sub-paragraph (7) provides that there is no need to report 'duplicate' information, as defined at sub-paragraph (8).
127.New section 421JB provides that returns must be delivered in electronic form in a manner prescribed by HMRC, unless a person has been specifically allowed by HMRC to use some other form. The Commissioners for HMRC will prescribe how the notices and returns must be submitted.
128.New section 421JC lays down the penalties which may apply for failure to deliver annual returns by the specified deadline. An exception is allowed where a person has a 'reasonable excuse' for the failure.
129.New section 421JD sets out the penalties that may apply where returns are not delivered in the form required by HMRC; or where they contain material inaccuracies that are careless or deliberate, or are not corrected by the person.
130.New section 421JE sets out procedures for the assessment and enforcement of penalties by HMRC, including time limits as to when penalties may be imposed and when payment must be made.
131.New section 421JF provides rights of appeal against decisions of HMRC in relation to penalties, and lays down time limits for appeals, rules for the handling of appeals and the action tribunals may take in response to an appeal.
132.Paragraphs 232-234 set out commencement and transitional provisions. The new rules come into force on 6 April 2014, and the rules in relation to annual returns will apply for returns for tax year 2014-15 onwards.
