PAYE system faces summer of disruption

Users of HMRC’s online PAYE system may experience disruption throughout the summer, the department has warned.

The temporary interruptions of some elements will occur while the taxman updates the service and transfers data in an effort to create a more efficient offering.

Online submissions will be validated as normal. Data that fails validation checks will be rejected and returned to employers, while eligible data will be retained and held until it can be processed by the updated PAYE system. Information submitted on paper will be held until it can be captured by the Revenue’s revamped offering.

During the transition period, the assistance that HMRC will be able to provide to employers in respect of individual employees will be limited, said the department, which asked that employers and their agents wait until the improved PAYE service is up and running before contacting the taxman.

The majority of users will not be affected by the changeover, said the Revenue. The department’s helplines will be open throughout, although they may suffer a reduction in the level of service. As a result, taxpayers are asked to consider postponing non-essential enquiries.

In preparation for the move to the new PAYE system, HMRC are crosschecking all National Insurance numbers held. If an incorrect one is being used, a P46-5T form will be sent, indicating the correct number, and the individual concerned will also be contacted.

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