More information on PAYE – Real Time Information
The introduction of major changes to the way PAYE information has begun with the introduction of a new system where HMRC collect Real Time Information (RTI) for PAYE. The system involves employers sending HMRC information about tax and other deductions from employees’ pay when the employee is paid, rather than at the end of the year as at present.
HMRC have recently begun writing to over 1.4 million employers as part of an awareness campaign to make all employers aware of the introduction of RTI from April 2013. The campaign will also include targeted flyers and emails, regular live Twitter Q&As, You Tube videos and roadshows across the country.
HMRC’s Director General, Ruth Owen, said:
‘The letters going out to employers include a useful help sheet, which tells them what to do to get ready for the change. Employers should read that and take action such as speaking to their payroll software provider or payroll service provider and checking their employee data is accurate.’
HMRC is also writing separately to employers who operate certain specific PAYE schemes. Some of these schemes will begin operating from April 2013, however, care and support employers, employers with religious objections to electronic communications and users of the special schemes for Examination Fees, Electoral Payments, Direct Payment and Direct Collection schemes, will start reporting from April 2014. HMRC have also said that they will work with care workers and certain religious groups with objections to electronic communications on a paper-filing system that will work in tandem with collecting RTI from April 2014.
By April 2013 it is expected that all micro, small and medium-sized employers and most large employers and payroll bureaux will begin sending payroll information to HMRC using the RTI system. HMRC believes that all employers will be using the RTI system by October 2013 in time for the introduction of Universal Credit by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).