Every year, businesses across the UK handle a flurry of payroll tasks as the tax year closes. We know it can feel a bit overwhelming, but it doesn’t need to be. Our goal is to give you a clear run-through of the core forms you’ll need, the deadlines to keep in mind, and a few tips on how to make the whole process feel smoother.

 

Why end-of-year payroll reporting matters

End-of-year payroll reporting is about making sure all employee pay and tax information is accurate before the new tax year begins. If you get it wrong, your team could end up with incorrect payslips, and you might face extra work later. And as we all know, keeping employees happy and staying on the right side of HMRC helps everyone breathe easier.

 

The final full payment submission (FPS)

Your final FPS is what wraps up your payroll for the 2024/25 tax year (ending on 5 April 2025). Each time you pay staff, you send an FPS to HMRC. But the last one of the year tells them you’ve finished paying employees for that tax period.

• When to send it: You submit an FPS on or before your employees’ payday. For your final submission, just tick the box (or choose the appropriate option in your payroll software) to confirm it’s your last report for the tax year.
• What it includes: You’ll provide details of the gross pay, income tax, national insurance contributions (NICs) and any other deductions for each employee in that final pay period.
• Common pitfalls: Some employers forget to indicate that it’s the final submission. Double-check your software settings so you don’t send an incomplete report.

For extra guidance on how to send your FPS, contact us, or we find the official HMRC step-by-step guide really handy.

 

P60s: Giving employees their annual summary

Once the tax year closes, each employee on your payroll should receive a P60. This document shows the total pay, tax and national insurance for the year just gone.

• Deadline: You must get P60s to your staff by 31 May.
• Why it’s important: Employees often need P60s for loan applications and other financial paperwork. If you miss this date, you could face penalties from HMRC.
• How to send it: Many payroll systems let you email P60s or upload them to an employee portal. Check with your provider or software instructions to see the options you have.

 

P11Ds: Reporting benefits and expenses

If you offer benefits or expenses to your staff – like company cars, private health cover or reimbursed travel – then P11D forms come into play. These forms let HMRC know the taxable value of those extras.

• What to include: Any benefits or expenses that don’t go through payroll but are taxable should be reported.
• Deadline: P11Ds must reach HMRC by 6 July. Employees also need a copy of their own P11D by that date.
• Class 1A NIC deadline: You’ll need to pay any Class 1A national insurance on these benefits by 19 July (or 22 July if you pay electronically).

For the official word on P11D requirements, take a look at the HMRC guidance page.

 

Keeping track of the deadlines

These dates roll around every year, so it’s good to have them in your diary. Here’s a quick recap of the main deadlines for your year-end payroll reporting.

• 5 April 2025: Official end of the 2024/25 tax year.
• On or before your employees’ last payday of the tax year: Send your final FPS.
• 31 May: Issue P60s to employees.
• 6 July: Submit P11Ds and provide copies to employees.
• 19 or 22 July: Pay any Class 1A NIC due on benefits.

Staying on top of these dates makes the process feel more relaxed.

 

Common mistakes (and how to avoid them)

1. Forgetting to mark the final FPS
   Many business owners simply forget to click that ‘final FPS’ option. That tiny checkbox matters. It tells HMRC you’re done for the tax year.
2. Missing the P60 deadline
   Life gets busy, but if employees don’t have their P60s by 31 May, it can cause issues down the road. A gentle reminder in your calendar can help.
3. Wrong or incomplete employee details
   Out-of-date addresses, incorrect names or missing national insurance numbers can slow you down. Keep a regular check on staff records so you’re not caught out at the last minute.
4. Overlooking new tax code changes
   If an employee’s tax code changes (for example, due to a new tax band or personal allowance adjustment), make sure you update it in your payroll system. If you don’t, the final reports could be inaccurate.
5. Late submission of P11Ds
   It’s easy to forget about benefits that aren’t included in normal wages. Keep a log throughout the year of anything you provide to employees, so you’re not hunting for receipts in June.

How to streamline your year-end process

We’ve been around for over a century, and we’ve seen a lot of payroll systems come and go. These days most are straightforward, but it’s still worth making sure you’re getting the most out of yours.

• Use automated reminders
  A good payroll system will let you set up alerts for year-end deadlines, so you won’t miss a thing.
• Keep a monthly checklist
  Try adding a simple monthly review of your payroll data. A small amount of time spent checking figures and staff details can help avoid mistakes piling up.
• Outsource where it makes sense
  Some businesses have the time and staff to handle payroll in-house. Others find it more efficient to ask for outside help. If you’d like our support, we’re here for you – just pop over to our payroll support page. We offer practical help that fits the size and style of your business.
• Stay updated
  Watch for announcements from HMRC or check the employer bulletins. If there’s a change, you’ll usually be given notice, but it’s good to keep an ear out.
• Organise your records
  Keep digital copies of payslips, P11D details and any other payroll records in one secure place. Having everything at your fingertips makes the year-end tasks a lot simpler.

 

What if you have directors on the payroll?

You might be aware that directors have special rules for how their national insurance is calculated. If you want to double-check your approach, you can find more details on gov.uk. If you’re ever stuck, our team at John Potter & Harrison is happy to help clarify how these rules might affect your end-of-year reports.

 

A reminder: We’re here to help

We know that reporting can sometimes feel like one more job on a busy to-do list, especially if you’re trying to grow your business at the same time. And while it’s tempting to put it off, a little planning will save you hours of stress later.

If you think you could use a hand, get in touch with us. We’ll chat with you about how to manage your payroll tasks, and see if our services match what you need.

 

In summary

Year-end payroll reporting doesn’t have to be complicated. To have most of your bases covered you need to:

• send in your final FPS on time
• give P60s to employees by 31 May
• submit P11Ds (if needed) by 6 July, and
• pay any Class 1A NIC by 19 (or 22) July.

With a good system, a few reminders and proper record-keeping, you’ll sail through the end of the 2024/25 tax year without too much fuss.

If you’d like an extra pair of eyes on your year-end payroll reporting or any other accounting tasks, let us know. We’d be happy to discuss a solution that keeps you organised and on good terms with HMRC.