What is RTI Payroll? (Real Time Information)

Are you looking to understand a bit more about payroll, and in particular, Real Time Information (RTI) payroll? Whether you’re an employer, entrepreneur, freelancer or a director responsible for running payroll for your staff, you will know that payroll is a challenging undertaking. Any incorrect calculations or late submissions can be harmful to your company and your employees.

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In this article, we cover the query, what is RTI payroll. You may have heard the term before but are perhaps unfamiliar with its origins, and how it can impact how you carry out payroll for your SMB.

So, we will address the basics, cover relevant terminology (including a real-time information definition) and share advice on how you can best comply. Don’t forget to explore our payroll software and payroll outsourcing pages if you’d like to explore your payroll options further.

What is RTI?

RTI stands for ‘Real Time Information.’ It is a system introduced by the UK government in 2013. Under this law, businesses must report payroll information to HMRC every time they pay their employees. Prior to PAYE RTI, submissions to HMRC were only required at the end of the financial year.

RTI ensures the reporting of payroll is more efficient and accurate, and that employees receive the correct amount of pay.

What’s an RTI submission?

An RTI submission is the process of submitting real-time information on an employee's pay, deductions, and taxes to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). This is done through the RTI HMRC payroll system. This system requires employers to report their employees' information as they are processed, rather than at the end of the financial year. It helps to ensure accuracy and compliance with tax regulations.

There are two types of RTI submission: Full Payment Submission (FPS) and Employer Payment Summary (EPS). We will go on to explain what both terms mean below. Both submissions help to ensure accuracy and compliance with tax regulations.

Full Payment Submission (FPS)

A Full Payment Submission (FPS) is a submission that all employers must submit to HMRC every time they pay their employees. The FPS contains information on an employee’s pay, taxes, and deductions. It must be submitted in real-time through the PAYE RTI payroll system.

Employer Payment Summary (EPS)

An Employer Payment Summary (EPS) is submitted when there are adjustments to an employees National Insurance and tax contributions. They are made in addition to Full Payment Submissions and must also be submitted through the RTI payroll system. An EPS will not need to be submitted as frequently as an FPS.

How to comply with RTI for payroll

When considering how to comply with RTI HMRC, you should consider the method you’re currently carrying it out. If using payroll software, then it is essential that you select a solution that is RTI compliant. Similarly, if you decide to outsource your payroll, your chosen bureau should also be RTI compliant. Deciding on managed in-house payroll vs payroll software will require close consideration.

While most providers are compliant with PAYE RTI, it is always good to check. This is particularly important if you’re considering an integrated HR and payroll software provider.

Whatever option you choose to ensure RTI compliance, the responsibility will always fall onto you – and not the payroll service. Therefore, you should take an active role in ensuring your payroll system is up-to-date and that it complies with necessary regulations. It’s also important that you are reporting payroll information in real-time, submitting FPSs and EPSs as necessary. This will ensure you remain compliant and avoid penalties from HMRC.

Person Checking They Are Complying With RTI For Payroll

What happens if I don’t comply with RTI?

As mentioned before, non-compliance can equal penalties and fines. And regardless of the payroll solution you choose, it will still be your responsibility to ensure you are complying with RTI HMRC.

You will incur penalties if:

Your FPS was late
You did not send the expected number of FPSs
You did not send an EPS when you didn’t pay any employees in a tax month

You won’t receive a penalty from the HMRC if:

Your FPS is late but all reported payments on the FPS are within 3 days of payday
You’re a new employer and you send your first FPS within 30 days of paying an employee
It’s your first failure in the tax year

How much you pay:

1-9 employees: £100
10-49 employees: £200
50-249 employees: £300
250 or more: £400

Further information on making the correct RTI submission can be found on the GOV.UK website.

Payroll software that helps you stay compliant

To avoid stating the obvious, PAYE RTI is a crucial aspect of payroll management for all businesses in the UK. It requires companies to make an RTI submission (which are FPSs and EPSs) in real time. This ensures accuracy and compliance with regulations. Failure to comply will result in penalties and fines from HMRC.

There are a number of things an SMB can do to ensure compliance with RTI HMRC. Firstly, you may wish to consider a trustworthy payroll software provider that is RTI-compliant. However, payroll software isn’t for everyone, and you should closely evaluate your existing resources before making this decision. Read our article, 5 disadvantages of payroll software, for further information.

If you are interested in offloading the role of payroll entirely, then a payroll outsourcing bureau is another top consideration. This approach can free up your time, remove the risk of error and non-compliance, and importantly, ensures your staff get paid correctly and on time. If you are considering this route, read our article - The 5 common outsourced payroll integration problems (and how to avoid them).

For a side-by-side comparison of the two options, read our article - Managed In-House Payroll vs Outsourcing Payroll Services.

Thanks for taking the time to read today’s article. If you think Access PeopleHR might be a good fit for your company, then take advantage of a free trial.

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Rich is a content writer at Access PeopleHR and has a wealth of experience within the tech space, including HR software. Passionate about providing website visitors with informative and easy-to-understand content, Rich is committed to helping SMBs find the best solutions for their needs. With a flair for writing, Rich's content engages and educates readers, guiding them towards informed decisions.

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