PAYE Online for Employers - Electronic Data Interchange (EDI)
Frequently Asked Questions: Setting Up EDI
Contents
- What equipment will I need to use EDI?
- How soon could an employer start sending forms online once they have Payroll, EDI and Communication software?
- Where can I get a list of successfully tested EDI and/or Payroll software developers?
- Does HM Revenue & Customs have a preferred communication method?
- What is Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN)?
- We have existing ISDN capabilities, can this be used?
- Will VANs support an ISDN Connection?
Q. What equipment will I need to use EDI?
A. There are two main formats used when online PAYE information is exchanged with HM Revenue & Customs; EDIFACT and Generic Flat File (GFF). You will need the following for each format:-
- EDIFACT
- connection to a communication link, such as a Value Added Network
(VAN), ISDN or AS2
- EDI software (enabled for electronic exchange for PAYE )
- Payroll software (enabled for electronic exchange for PAYE ).
- connection to a communication link, such as a Value Added Network
(VAN), ISDN or AS2
- GFF
- connection to a communication link such as ISDN, AS2 or VAN
- Odette File Transfer Protocol (OFTP) software to send data over
ISDN
- Payroll software (enabled for electronic exchange for PAYE).
- connection to a communication link such as ISDN, AS2 or VAN
Q. How soon could an employer start sending forms online once they have Payroll, EDI and Communication software?
A. Very soon. Before this can happen there is a mandatory testing process for the employer. It involves completing four successful consecutive tests per PAYE message type. If certificated software is used, only one successful test is needed. There is also a consultation process where HM Revenue & Customs representatives can give advice and support. Contact our Online Services for more information.
Q. Where can I get a list of successfully tested EDI and/or Payroll software developers?
A. View a list of HM Revenue & Customs recognised
products These products
can exchange online versions of PAYE forms and returns in the right way.
Q. Does HM Revenue & Customs have a preferred online communication method ?
A. No. HM Revenue & Customs currently support:
- AS2 Applicability Statement 2
- Odette File Transfer Protocol over ISDN
- Value Added Network
- X.400
The
names
and
addresses
of
suppliers
can
be
found
at
the
back
of
the
document EB4
(PAYE-EDI)
'
Software
developers' list.
Q. What is Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) ?
A. High Speed Digital connection for passing data online between two organisations.
Q. We have existing ISDN capabilities, can this be used?
A. Yes, you are simply calling a different number. However if you want to send Odette File Transfer Protocol (OFTP) over your ISDN line, it is important to approach a supplier of OFTP software for advice on where it needs installing in your system.
Q. Will VANs support an ISDN Connection?
A. Generally yes. Remember the need to install software such as Odette File Transfer Protocol to transmit the data.
