Monday 29 April 2013

RTI - Frequently Asked Questions - Round 1

With RTI now being 3 weeks into operation we, in this blog,  present a collection of the most common questions we have been asked about these new regulations and the new rules for processing payroll:

Q1 Why do I have to run my payroll at least 3 working days before my payslip/ payment date?

A1 Because the submissions to HMRC must be done on or before the date of payment, by processing your payroll at least 3 working days before the payslip/payment you ensure that there is sufficient time for your submission to be checked and sent by Defacto to HMRC.

Q2 What if I need to pay myself while I am on holiday?

A2 If you know that you will be on holiday at the time you normally run your payroll you can run your payroll in advance and then diarise the payments to be made via online banking.

Q3 Does my payroll need to be run EXACTLY 3 working days in advance?

A3 No. It must be run AT LEAST 3 working days in advance but can be run further ahead of time if you choose.

Q4 Can I leave my payslip date as the day I process the payroll?

A4 No. You MUST change this date to the day the payment is actually made which is the date reported to HMRC in the RTI submission.

Q5 What happens if I don't run it 3 working days in advance?

A5 We cannot guarantee that the submission will reach HMRC before the payment is made to you employees. If it is late you will receive a penalty.

Q6 What happens if the RTI submission is late?

A6 You will receive a late filing penalty for each late submission in the year.

Q7 I currently pay PAYE/NIC quarterly. Do I now have to pay it monthly?

A7 No you can continue to pay it quarterly.  If you use Defacto's online system or Defacto process payroll for you, we will continue to notify you of the PAYE/NIC payments due by e-mail.

Q8 Can I run payroll less frequently e.g. quarterly instead of monthly?

A8 Contact us if you wish to make any changes to your payroll frequency