HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has introduced new online PAYE tools to help employers run their payroll systems.
The new resource replaces HMRC’s Employer CD-ROM.
It includes all the CD-ROM’s interactive features but adds an automatic update facility, which ensures that the system is up-to-date with the latest information and figures.
Employers who have used the CD-ROM will need the new tools for the remainder of the 2010-11 tax year and for future tax years.
The tools can be downloaded by visiting www.businesslink.gov.uk/basicpayetools.
Employers can keep pace with other important PAYE developments by signing-up for their free email alerts at www.businesslink.gov.uk/hmrcemployeremailalerts.
HMRC has also announced that the tax authority will no longer be mailing hard copies of guidance to employers.
As a result, the email alerts are now the best way for employers to make sure they are ahead of developments on PAYE issues.
Paper guidance will continue to be sent to the small number of employers who are exempt from online filing.
In addition, employers are being reminded that PAYE information, forms and guidance are all available online at www.businesslink.gov.uk/payeformsandpublications and that paper versions are now only available in limited circumstances from the Employer Orderline.
If employers are using the employer database on the 2010 Employer CD-ROM, they must make sure it is updated so that it is compatible with the tools. They should go to www.hmrc.gov.uk/employers/cdrom for more details.