ECH22001 - Settlement: From Whom to Seek Settlement


Whether the employer or the employee is approached to settle the liability depends primarily on who is responsible in law, but there are some exceptions, see ECH22097.

Generally the following guidelines apply for settlement

Note

The employer is responsible in law for any failure to operate PAYE properly and is required to make good any failure to deduct tax.

In such circumstances, the ECO should


  • not settle direct with an employee or director as
  • the settlement is technically incorrect and
  • it could harm HM Revenue & Customs position if any other PAYE failures by the employer come to light.