End of year guide

Guidance for employers on what the fund needs and when from you at the end of the scheme year.

End of year checklist

  1. Process March's payroll.
  2. i-Connect return. Check:
    • formatting – do not alter the formatting on the i-Connect return spreadsheet we supplied
    • you have included final pay for everyone and calculated it correctly
    • you have reported APP (Assumed Pensionable Pay) correctly
    • you have included AVCs/Added Years/APCs
    • you have updated casuals and casual non-earners
    • the return balances with your contribution payments
  3. Submit the return by 19 April at the latest.
  4. If i-Connect flags up tolerance queries - double check your data and fix them before submitting the return.
  5. Complete upload - double check you have clicked the proceed button!
  6. Check for errors and correct for the next return.

Separate from your i-Connect upload, send us:

  • a copy of your March i-Connect return file (not required for online returns)
  • your absences on a spreadsheet - if you have not submitted them on your return
  • details of your returning officers' payments

Next steps

Review your April, May and June i-Connect returns for any starters prior to 01/04/2026. It is useful to know whether it is a new job you first paid in 2026/27, or a post-change that links to another job we already have in the system. 

You should prioritise any queries we send you on your i-Connect returns. Your help in issuing annual benefit statements on time is vital.

Finally

Are you happy with the data you have provided? Now is the time to fix any problems.

  1. Have you included all your leavers?
  2. Have you input a valid reason for leaving? 

i-Connect may allow you to submit your return without a reason, but you must confirm the reason for leaving.