Find out which employers are exempt from online payroll reporting
Guidance setting out who can report payroll on paper, instead of online, and how to apply.
Who is exempt from online filing
A small number of employers have the option of sending payroll submissions to HMRC on paper. If you think you may be exempt and wish to file on paper, write to HMRC with full details for your application to be considered.
Provision of care or support services at or from the home
If you are employing someone providing care or support services at or from your home, the following conditions must be met. The:
- care or support services must be provided to the employer or a member of their family
- recipient of the services must have a physical or mental disability, or be elderly or infirm
- employer must be filing their return themselves
Who is considered unable to file online
In exceptional circumstances, where HMRC is satisfied that the following applies, they will provide an alternative channel for these employers to submit their PAYE returns. You:
- will have significant difficulty in using an online channel
- are unable to use an online channel
Exceptional circumstances
HMRC expects all employers, other than care and support employers, to submit PAYE in real time online.
For a small number of employers, HMRC accepts that it will be difficult to meet this online obligation. This could include employers:
- with a disability which prevents them from using computers
- who cannot access an internet connection, including ‘dial up’
- who are elderly and are unable to use an online channel
There are also a small number of employees who are obliged to report their own PAYE to HMRC on behalf of their employer, such as UK employees working for an employer that is based abroad. HMRC expects these employees to file online except where exceptional circumstances apply, for example, where they are unable to or will have significant difficulty filing online.
If you think you meet the above criteria, you should contact HMRC. They will send you information about:
- how you can best access an online digital channel
- responding to HMRC if, having followed their advice, you still have difficulties accessing an online channel
Each case will be considered on its own merits. HMRC will expect you to demonstrate why you are unable to use an online channel to submit your returns and why you can not use a third party to submit PAYE in real time on your behalf.
Where HMRC is satisfied that the above criteria are met, they’ll advise you that you can deliver this information on paper instead and will send you the necessary forms for completion.
How to file on paper
Employers exempt from online filing, and those that HMRC has agreed are not required to file returns online, can file paper returns quarterly.
Exempt employers may still choose to send PAYE information online in real time. If they do this, they should advise HMRC to update their records which will prevent paper quarterly returns being sent.
HMRC will send the forms and guidance to you - they’re not available from HMRC’s website. They are only available from the Employer Orderline to those employers who HMRC have agreed can use paper forms.
You should tell your employees that you’re a paper filing employer. They’ll need to know this if they claim Universal Credit - as they will need to report their earnings to the Department for Work and Pensions themselves.
Where to get help
You can get help by contacting HMRC’s New Employer Helpline.
Last updated 6 April 2020 + show all updates
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Updated information on who is exempt from online filing.
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Content updated to show current procedures.
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First published.