No more errors allowed - RTI is coming and data needs to be correct!

In the middle of helping our customers to do their Payroll year end procedures, it became apparent to me just how many errors we can make as computer users keying in our payroll data. Now I'm no angel, and I confess I am a nightmare when it comes to transposing figures.

HMRC are introducing their new system of online submissions in April 2013 known as RTI (Real Time Information).  The check on the validity of personal data will be far more rigorous than the current year end checks, and if there are any data anomalies then the online submission will fail. This online submission (RTI) procedure has to be carried out at the end of each period.

For your submissions to get accepted by the HMRC the Employees data has to be 100% correct

• Company PAYE Reference
• Accounts Office Reference
• Tax Office Number
• Employee name and address
• Employee NI number and tax code
• Employee payroll  code
• Employment start and leave date

Before the dreaded RTI comes, it may be very worthwhile running an audit of this information to ensure that all is correct and consistent.  This will hopefully save you a headache in the future.

Pat Clarke

Payroll Product Consultant