Statutory guidance

Notes for returns of information under Schedule 23 of the Finance Act 2011 (paragraphs 1 and 12) other interest

Updated 17 August 2016

This statutory guidance was withdrawn on

This information is now obsolete.

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/notes-for-returns-of-information-under-schedule-23-of-the-finance-act-2011-paragraphs-1-and-12-other-interest/notes-for-returns-of-information-under-schedule-23-of-the-finance-act-2011-paragraphs-1-and-12-other-interest

This information is now obsolete.

If you have received a notice under the above legislation you are legally obliged to make a return to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) of the information specified in the notice by the date given in the notice. The notice explains more about this legal obligation and the type of information HMRC require from you.

Sending your return to HMRC

You must send your return to HMRC on a spreadsheet using the template below. When you have opened the template save it to your computer hard drive before you start to compile your return.

To use the template

Open the spreadsheet template

Save the spreadsheet to your computer using the filename shown in your notice.

Use the saved spreadsheet to compile your return.

Follow the guidance notes below, the guidance tab of the spreadsheet and the guidance in the comments boxes linked to the headings on the template.

Submission methods

After you have compiled your return you must send it to HMRC by the date shown in your notice using one of the following methods:

Secure Electronic Transfer (SET)

This is a secure online submission method through which you can send your spreadsheet return, note that to use SET you will need to buy a security certificate from an external provider - (further details on SET).

By email

HMRC do not consider email a secure method for the transfer of customer data, as such HMRC do not recommend using it to send your return, however if you do wish to use email they recommend that you take steps to protect your data in transit as HMRC is not responsible for your return until they receive it - HMRC cannot download decryption software to open your return.

HMRC’s email address is shown in the letter accompanying your notice, don’t use this email address for general enquiries as it is only monitored for returns, instead please phone HMRC on the number shown in your notice if you need to discuss anything about it.

On physical media

You can save your return to a CD, DVD or USB stick and post it, no other type of media will be accepted, HMRC is only responsible for the security of the data once they receive it so recommend that you consider taking steps to secure the data in transit by encrypting the file using one of the approved methods below.

Approved encryption:

If you are not using the PGP key HMRC can also accept returns with the following forms of encryption:

  • password protected using WinZip
  • PGP self-decrypting files
  • self-extracting encryption

Your hardware or software might prevent data encryption, in such cases, please contact CNI Cardiff on 0292 032 6379/7285 or email cni.firm@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk to arrange alternative physical security measures.

  1. If you use WinZip HMRC recommend that, you use at least version 9 and the 256-bit AES option, together with the Mask Password Option. HMRC also recommend that the password selected is at least 20 characters long, contains upper and lower case characters, at least one special character and contains no dictionary words.

  2. If you are password protecting your return using PGP you must select the option PGP SELF DECRYPTING ARCHIVE. Page 3 of 7 December 2012.

Compiling your spreadsheet return

You can only use the worksheet as above do not add or delete tabs.

Retain the headings shown on the template. The order of columns is important so follow the template. Don’t insert additional columns or delete any, if you do not have data to put into a column leave it blank or insert the information as detailed in the comment box at the top of the column.

When showing addresses enter each address line provided in a separate column starting on the left and leaving any unused columns to the right (but see below regarding postcodes). Do not use multiple fields or stack address lines one above the other. Do not use commas in any part of the address.

Enter the postcode in the dedicated column provided.

Show the total amount of interest paid for the year to each account, don’t show individual payments or subtotals. Where a payee receives interest in different currencies in respect of the same account number you will need to supply a separate fully completed line for each currency.

In order to make the account number unique, append the 3 letter currency code to the end of the account number remembering not to exceed the permitted number of characters for that cell.

Don’t use ‘lowercase L’ for 1 or ‘capital O’ for zero. When entering numbers use the digits 0 to 9 only and use a full stop as the decimal point where appropriate, don’t include commas, spaces or currency symbols within figures.

When entering dates use the format DD/MM/YYYY (for example, 4 October 2010 should be entered as 04/10/2010).

Do not include separators or spaces etc even if they are hidden.

The permitted number of lines of data is governed by the version of Microsoft Excel that you used to download the template.

If there are insufficient lines on your downloaded template to enter all your data or you need further advice on how to use the spreadsheet or what is reportable, email cni.firm@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk. The subject line of the email should be clearing house and your reference number.

Currency codes

The template needs you to enter a code for each amount to identify the appropriate currency. These currency codes are recognised internationally, commonly used currency codes are:

  • UK sterling - GBP
  • Euro - EUR
  • United States dollar - USD
  • Canadian dollar - CAD
  • Australian dollar - AUD

Full list of currency codes

If the currency code column in your return is blank HMRC will assume that the amounts are in UK sterling.

Contacts

If you need to contact HMRC about your return please use the contact details shown on your notice.

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