HMRC's RTI blitz

HMRC has launched an advertising campaign heralding the biggest overhaul of the PAYE system in nearly 70 years, less than three weeks before it comes into effect reports accountancy services Harris & Co.

The new PAYE reporting system, known as Real Time Information (RTI), will be introduced from April 2013, with employers reporting each time they pay their employees, rather than yearly. The expectation is that administrative burdens for employers will be reduced by around £300m every year.

Ruth Owen, HMRC’s director general Personal Tax, said: ‘Winston Churchill was Prime Minister when PAYE was introduced. Little has changed in the system in about 70 years and it no longer fits the needs of a modern workforce.

‘Now is the time for employers to act, including ensuring all employee information is correct and up to date. All the information they need is on our website.

‘RTI will improve the operation of PAYE for employers, HMRC and employees. Feedback from employers in the pilot is that reporting PAYE in real time is easy.’

A range of RTI software is available, including free software for micro businesses with nine or fewer employees and support is available for all employers, through YouTube, face to face events and online interactive sessions - including Twitter Q&As.

The advertising campaign will run from 11 March until 5 April and involves national press, radio and digital advertising.

More information on RTI can be found at HMRC.