PAYE26001 - employer records: magnetic media: introduction

It is essential that the employer record is kept up to date and reflects the latest information in respect of the following areas. The provisions of the Data Protection Act 1998 (DPA) apply to employer records in the same way as they apply to taxpayer records held on other HMRC computers.

You must only access an employer record if you have a business need to do so.

Many employers have computerised payrolls or may have a payroll agent or bureau that operates PAYE for them. The 1998 Finance Bill contained measures to introduce greater exchange of information electronically between HMRC and employers. The benefits to both are a reduction in the amount, time and resources spent on paperwork and information between both parties.

From 6 April 2005 employer segmentation is being used to categorise each employer by number of employees to determine when an employer is required by law to use online filing to file their annual end of year returns. For more information see PAYE21090.

All large employers have to submit their return using online filing. Magnetic Media is not accepted as online filing therefore the use of Magnetic Media will reduce in the years up to 2010.