Small business employers reminded of online cash incentive

Employers who run a small business are the target of a Government drive to fill in their Employer Annual Return online - and get £75 tax-free in return.

The payment is available to businesses with fewer than 50 employees that make a valid entry by May 19.

After this date, late-filing penalties will apply.

Every year, employers must inform HM Revenue and Customs of each member of staff's tax and National Insurance payments, using a P14 for each employee, and a P35 to summarise the details.

To access the online service, employers need to register with HMRC's PAYE Online for Employers system.

And small businesses qualify for the payment even when an intermediary files online on their behalf.

A spokesperson for the Federation of Small Businesses urged internet service providers to improve broadband access across the country, to help small businesses take full advantage of online services.

"Increasingly, more people are applying online and it will give them a boost, so it's really useful," she added.

"And having an incentive is no bad thing."

IMAGE John Stillwell/PA Wire