What is an ERS annual return and who has to file one?

Employment Related Securities (ERS) returns are annual reports that must be filed by companies who employee share plans.  The returns must be filed with HMRC through its ERS online service. They cover share awards, option grants, exercises and lapses during the tax year.

Any company with a registered employee share scheme must file, and returns are required for both tax-advantaged and non-tax-advantaged arrangements.