HMRC have confirmed in the latest Employer Bulletin that they intend to impose penalties on all employers who fail to send their payroll starter and leaver forms online from April 2012.

During the 2011/12 tax year HMRC issued penalty notices to employers with 50 or more employees when they submitted more than two paper forms in a quarter. The penalties issued ranged from £100 to £3000 depending on the number of paper forms received in the quarter.

Since April 2011 small employers (with 50 or less employees) have been required to file their in year starter (P46) and leaver (P45) forms online. However, small employers who submitted paper forms between 6 April 2011 and 5 January 2012 were only issued with warning letters. This action was taken to try and help small employers to get this right.

From 6 April 2012 penalties will be issued when the employer fails to file their starter and leaver forms online in the period 6 January 2012 to 5 April 2012 and onwards.

If you would like any help with payroll issues please do get in touch.

Internet link: Employer Bulletin