Employers turn to their iPods as tax deadline looms

The time's fast approaching for employers to file their end-of-year returns with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), and the UK's more than 1.7 million employers can now turn to their iPods to cope.

Completing an Employer's Annual Return is one of the subjects covered in HMRC's new podcasting service, which launches today at hmrc.gov.uk/podcasts.

All employers must send an Employer's Annual Return (P35 and P14s) if they have engaged an employee and deducted PAYE and National Insurance. The deadline for filing of returns with HMRC is 19 May 2007.

Employers must also contact their HMRC office as soon as possible if they do not need to send in a return. Employers with 50 or more employees must file their return online, but those with fewer than 50 have a number of options. That said, if they do file their return online they can get £150 tax-free.

Employers with 50 or more staff who do not file a return online risk facing a penalty of up to £3000. Penalties are also issued for late and incorrect returns.

HMRC is one of the first Government departments to launch podcasts, designed to make information on some of the most wide-ranging issues simple and accessible. The podcasts are between three and four minutes' duration, offering advice, support and helpful hints in a conversational style.

The podcast leads listeners step-by-step through the process of learning who needs to file an Employer's Annual Return, what options are available, and advice about other sources of information so they can find out more.