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How to use HMRC's ERS checking service

HMRC's free checking service tells you if an ERS end of year file has formatting errors before you submit it. Who can use it, what you need and the steps.

What it is

HMRC's ERS checking service checks the files for your employment related securities annual return for formatting errors, so they are not rejected when you submit. It checks OpenDocument spreadsheet (.ods) files and comma separated values (.csv) files.

Checking is separate from submitting. A check does not file your return: when your files are clear, you submit them in the ERS online service.

Who can use it

  • Employers, and agents acting for them.
  • You need a Government Gateway user ID and password. You can use the same ones you used to register the scheme.
  • If you have not registered your scheme yet, HMRC says you can create a user ID and password at the start of the service.

Before you start

  • Know which type of scheme or arrangement the file is for: CSOP, EMI, SAYE, SIP or other (non tax advantaged).
  • Fill in and save your file, on HMRC's template for that scheme or in your own files made from HMRC's technical notes.
  • For CSV, have one file per sheet, named exactly after the sheet. See CSV files.

Step by step

  1. Go to Check your ERS files on GOV.UK and select Start now.
  2. Sign in with your Government Gateway user ID and password.
  3. Choose the type of scheme or arrangement the file is for.
  4. Choose the type of file: ODS or CSV.
  5. Choose your file. For CSV you can choose one or more files.
  6. Start the check and wait. The time it takes depends on your internet connection and the size of the file.
  7. Read the result. If there are errors, the service lists them on screen, by sheet, row and column.
  8. Correct any errors, save the file and check it again. Then check any other files.
  9. When all your files are clear, submit your return in the ERS online service. See how to submit an ERS return.

What a clear check tells you

The service checks the format of the file. It does not tell you whether you have reported the right events or given the right answers for your scheme. That is still for you or your adviser.

New templates in 2027

From 1 February 2027 the service also checks HMRC's new version 7 templates, and you can still check the current templates until 5 April 2027. From 6 April 2027 HMRC only accepts returns on the new templates. See HMRC's new version 7 templates.

Where Share Scheme Return fits

Share Scheme Return checks your file in your browser before you get to HMRC, without uploading anything, and builds HMRC's template from your data. HMRC's checking service is HMRC's own check. Use it as well before you submit.

Based on HMRC's published guidance: Check employment related securities files. ERS bulletin 67 (July 2026). Submit returns for ERS. Check your ERS files service, published code and screen text. Checked on 21 October 2026. This is general guidance, not tax advice, and HMRC's own pages take priority if they change. Share Scheme Return is not affiliated with HMRC.

Let the free checker find these for you

Load your option register or finished return and see every row HMRC is likely to reject, with the reason and the fix. Nothing is uploaded, and you don't need an account.

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