HM Revenue and Customs
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Pension schemes must e-file from today
Registered pension schemes must submit certain information electronically to HMRC from today (16 October 2007).
Previously, this information could also be submitted on paper. However, from today, pension scheme administrators will have to file the following electronically:
* Applications to register a pension scheme;
* Registered
Pension Scheme Returns;
* Accounting for Tax Returns;
*
Scheme Administrator's Declarations;
* Event
Reports;
* Notifications of the winding-up of a registered
pension scheme; and
* Notifications of a scheme administrator
terminating their appointment.
To submit information online, scheme administrators (or practitioners acting on their behalf) must register with HMRC's Pension Schemes Online service. It can take up to seven working days to activate a new account - as some information has to be sent by post - so pension scheme administrators and practitioners who haven't done so, should register as soon as possible. Early registration will ensure that administrators are ready to use Pension Schemes Online in advance of any filing deadlines.
Registering is easy - simply visit HMRC's online registration page at https://online.hmrc.gov.uk/registration and select 'Pensions'. You can then apply for either a Scheme Administrator or a Practitioner ID (if you don't already have one).
Once you've received your ID, you can choose to send information using your own software, or the free software provided by HMRC.
HMRC's Julie Elsey, Head of Pension Schemes Services, said:
"If you're a pension scheme administrator, and you haven't registered to file online, you should do so as soon as possible. Otherwise, you may be storing up problems for the future."
If you need further help or advice on using Pensions Schemes Online, HMRC has produced a guide for using the service, which is available on the HMRC website at http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/pensionschemes/online-user-guide.pdf
If that doesn't answer your questions, the Pension Scheme Helpdesk can be contacted on 0115 974 1600.
Notes for editors
1. The scheme administrator is responsible for fulfilling certain
functions including:
* registering the pension scheme with
HMRC;
* operating tax relief on contributions under the relief
at source system;
* reporting events relating to the scheme
and the Scheme Administrator to HMRC;
* making returns of
information to HMRC;
* providing information to scheme
members, and others, regarding the lifetime allowance, benefits
and transfers; and
* paying certain tax charges.
2. A scheme administrator can appoint a practitioner to act on their behalf in relation to some of their duties.
3. The SA970 - Self Assessment Return for Pension Schemes - will continue to be issued on paper. It will not be mandatory to file any other form or return not listed above electronically.
4. Accounting for Tax (AFT) Returns submitted for the 2nd quarter (ending 30 September), must now be submitted on line from 16 October 2007. The filing deadline for the AFT for the 2nd quarter is 45 days after the end of September, i.e. 14 November 2007.
5. Pension Scheme Returns for 06/07, must be submitted online from 16 October 2007. The filing date for the Pension Scheme Return for 06/07 is 31 January 2008.
6. Event Reports for 06/07 must be submitted online, from 16 October 2007. The filing date for the Event Report for 06/07 is 31 January 2008.
7. If scheme administrators and practitioners have completed and posted a paper form before 16 October 2007, HMRC will accept it as validly made even if received after that date if it was held up by delays arising from any postal dispute.
8. E-mandated information submitted by paper on or after 16 October 2007 will be returned to the sender, and will be deemed as not received by HMRC.
Issued by HM Revenue & Customs Press Office
Website http://www.hmrc.gov.uk
