Online Services: Payroll Standard and Pensioner Payroll Standard

Payroll Standard

The Payroll Standard helps employers to identify payroll software products or services with the essential features necessary to calculate PAYE, NICs, Statutory Payments and to perform a range of other payroll functions.

Software developers can apply to have their products or services tested against the Payroll Standard. Products that successfully pass the tests and receive accreditation can display the HM Revenue & Customs Payroll Standard logo on their marketing material. Please see the Online Services : Payroll Accreditation Scheme page for details.

The Payroll Standard (PDF 133K) (version 8.1) lists the detailed requirements needed to achieve accreditation. It consists of 'core' requirements which all products or services must have and a further 3 optional requirements. To view this document you need to use a PDF file viewer such as Adobe Reader.

Please note that we are not able to test:

  • How easy the software is to use,

  • The help text or help service provided by the supplier,

  • If the product and services provided would suit your business.

The list of accredited products has contact details for each company so you can find out more information.

Pensioner Payroll Standard

The Pensioner Payroll Standard helps pension payers to identify suitable software products or services. Software that can only pay out pensions is not suitable for paying employees, but you may find some payroll products or services that can do both.

Software developers can apply to have their products or services tested against the Pensioner Payroll Standard. Products or services that successfully pass the tests and receive accreditation can display the HM Revenue & Customs Pensioner Payroll Standard logo on their marketing material.

All of the requirements listed in the Pensioner Payroll Standard (PDF 99K) (version 2.0) must be satisfied to gain accreditation. To view this document you need to use a PDF file viewer such as Adobe Reader

Please note that we are not able to test:

  • How easy the software is to use,
  • The help text or help service provided by the supplier,
  • If the product and services provided would suit your business.

The list of accredited products has contact details for each company so you can find out more information.

Payroll Test Data

HMRC have placed payroll test data on this web site. This test data has been developed to:

  • provide a customer service initiative to help payroll software developers test updates to their software and,
  • help payroll software developers decide if they will meet the calculation and recording elements of the Payroll Standard and Pensioner Payroll Standard.

HMRC will encourage employers to use payroll products or services that display the Payroll Standard and/or Pensioner payroll Standard logo and will actively promote the scheme amongst new employers.

Enquiries about the Payroll Standard or Pensioner Payroll Standard

If you have any queries about the standards please ring the Payroll Standard/Pensioner Payroll Standard Helpline on 0845 91 59146 or send us an email.