Getting started online

Benefits of using the Online Service?

There are many benefits to using HMRC’s Online Services:

Sending or receiving information online is secure, convenient and quick
It is more reliable and efficient than using paper, and can cut down on storage space, post and administration
As information usually passes between computers without manual intervention, there is less chance of it being misinterpreted, or of mistakes being made

Supplying information to HMRC online ?

You need to register for HMRC’s Pension Schemes Online Service. You should do so regardless of whether or not you will be using the service straight away as you will need your Scheme Administrator ID or Practitioner ID.

You can register at any time and you only need to register once for this service.

Information needed to register for the Pension Schemes Online Service?

In order to register for the Service you will need:

to decide whether you want to register as a Scheme Administrator or Practitioner
state whether or not you are resident in the UK
your name:
- If you are a company or large Organisation, it is advisable to include something in the name or address field that will help identify who/where any correspondence should go to within your Organisation.
your address
email address (if you want us to send you an email alert advising you that there is a message or notice on your notice board
telephone number (this is optional).

Once you have the information to hand you will need to follow the two stage registration process.

Stage 1 is for security purposes and provides some of the information you need to complete registration. This will generate the Scheme Administrator or Practitioner ID letter. You will receive this in the post within five working days.

Stage 2 completes the registration and provides you with your User ID and asks you to set your password which you will use to login in the future.

For detailed instructions visit Pension Schemes Online Registration.

The Scheme Administrator ID and submitting returns and reports?

Apart for being used to register for the Pension Schemes Online Service, the Scheme Administrator ID is important as it ensures that information is linked to the correct pension scheme record. If the Scheme Administrator has one it should be included on all reports and returns supplied on paper.

If you have a practitioner and they will be filing information on your behalf, you will need to provide them with your Scheme Administrator ID to ensure the submission is attached to the correct record.

Further information?