The annual return details all tax and national insurance payments over the financial year in the form of a P14 for each individual employee and a P35 for the entire workforce.

Returns are due by the 19 May and smaller businesses will this year be entitled to the payment for all valid online entries.

Larger businesses with more than 50 employees, however, must complete their returns online or face a penalty.

HMRC's Sue Williams urged employers to send in the forms as soon as possible to avoid a last minute rush.

Advice and further details are available at www.hmrc.gov.uk/paye.

Also see:
Aon: government must help firms hit by withdrawal of credit insurance