Whatever the size of your business – get ready for PAYE changes

An advertising campaign heralding the biggest overhaul of the PAYE system in almost 70 years was launched today by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

The new PAYE reporting system, known as Real Time Information (RTI), will be introduced from April 2013, with employers reporting each time they pay their employees, rather than yearly. It will reduce administrative burdens for employers by around £300 million every year.

Ruth Owen, HMRC’s Director General Personal Tax, said:

“Winston Churchill was Prime Minister when PAYE was introduced. Little has changed in the system in about 70 years and it no longer fits the needs of a modern workforce.

“Now is the time for employers to act, including ensuring all employee information is correct and up to date. All the information they need is on our website.

“RTI will improve the operation of PAYE for employers, HMRC and employees. Feedback from employers in the pilot is that reporting PAYE in real time is easy.”

A range of RTI software is available, including free software for micro businesses with nine or fewer employees.

A range of support is available for employers, including:
Webinars YouTube video Face to face events Online interactive sessions, including Twitter Q&As

More information on RTI can be found at hmrc.gov.uk/rti.

Notes to editors

1. The advertising campaign will run from 11 March until 5 April and involves national press, radio and digital advertising.

2. Adverts can be viewed on Flickr.

3. All employers received letters about RTI in February 2013 and October 2012.

4. HMRC experts will be on hand to offer help and support on RTI between 11 March and 15 March. To take part or ask a question, follow @HMRCgovuk on Twitter and use the hashtag #RTIqa.

5. The RTI pilot was launched in April 2012 with just 10 employers. By 31 March 2013, PAYE records for around 6 million people will be reported in real time.

6. RTI will support the operation of Universal Credit – the Government’s flagship welfare programme – which brings together means-tested in and out-of-work benefits, Tax Credits and support for housing, and will improve work incentives and make work pay.

7. Follow HMRC on Twitter @HMRCgovuk

8. HMRC’s flickr channel www.flickr.com/hmrcgovuk