RTI Pilot opt out?

[Lentinus]

So I recently registered as an employer, which apparently means that HMRC have automatically signed me up to the RTI pilot, so as far as I can see they will be expecting an FPS and EPS by the end of the month.

HOWEVER The software that I have chosen to use (Brightpay) is not RTI enabled until after April 6th. So I want to have it submit the usual end of year forms.
I have searched the HMRC site (that seems to be constantly updated so you cant find anything 2 days running) for info on opting out of the pilot or what will happen if I submit in traditional form but cant find anything.

When I log onto my PAYE service it still has the option of a manual submission.

Anyone any ideas?


Edit. cr*p sorry wrong forum can a mod move to HR pls, thanks!

 

[Ola1]

I'd phone phone them up to confirm, possibly ask them for some written confirmation.

FPS,EPS, sounds like you're well up for RTI

 

[kulture]

Have you considered the other option, and contacted Brightpay? They may jump at the chance to test their software and have a few pilot customers. After all, they would presumably want confirmation that their interface works before everyone goes live with it.

 

[Tom McClelland]

Have you considered the other option, and contacted Brightpay? They may jump at the chance to test their software and have a few pilot customers. After all, they would presumably want confirmation that their interface works before everyone goes live with it.

That won't work. The pilot message spec is not the same as the live message spec, and if BP isn't in the pilot then presumably they haven't developed the pilot messages.

Another alternative might be to switch to one of the many low cost payroll suppliers that *is* in the pilot.

Or if they could give their tax office a call they may be able to remove them from the pilot.

 

[kulture]

How crazy, what possible reason would HMRC have for a pilot that has a different spec to the live?????

 

[Tom McClelland]

How crazy, what possible reason would HMRC have for a pilot that has a different spec to the live?????

It is indeed insane.

The pilot design was presumably rushed. Then, to compound matters numerous pointless tweaks were made to the pilot design as well as adding the small number of additional data items that had been missed out of the pilot design.

 

[Lentinus]

Yep Brightpay not up for the pilot have asked. The confusing thing is that the option for manual online submission is there in my HMRC account.

I have tried lots of the other payroll systems and this is the only one to make sense.
Though I did download IRIS "basics" before realising it is a 200MB file with a half an hour install - how complicated can it be!? Not going to bother with that one.

There WAS information on the HMRC site but I am sure it has been moved/deleted as all searched point me at the same "getting ready for RTI" article.

 

[davidowen]

Hi Lentinus,
Sounds a bit messy. I presume if you downloaded (attempted rather) the Iris Basics programme, you have less than 10 staff? I understand that by October when ALL businesses must be RTI compliant that the HMRC are considering another further change to actually help smaller businesses. Have you considered a further option of outsourcing your payroll? As I have previously worked for a software firm and an outsourced company, I would definetly advise the latter. Not just from an ease and productivity perspective, but also from an overall cost perspective too...

 

[Tom McClelland]

Have you tried asking HMRC to remove you from the Pilot? My understanding is that HMRC does this for anyone who asks. A couple of our users preferred to stay out of the pilot and just gave HMRC a call. Then you can use your choice of payroll software to file P35/P14 year end and go live with RTI after April 6th.

I'm pondering why Brightpay isn't giving you that simple advice?

 

[Lentinus]

Sorry thought I had updated this, must have been a different thread.

No issues, gave HMRC a call as suggested by FBS above, and they took me off the pilot (though got a letter today 3 weeks later reminding me to submit RTI! - Typical!)

Not going to outsource as Brightpay makes it easy enough for me to do. Their RTI version is out any moment as they have already been approved.

 

[davidowen]

Okay Lenitinus, I'm glad you are sorted! I know alot of people are panicking about it all. Please feel free to contact me if you do start to encounter problems. I would be happy to help you out.

regards,

David

 

[Lentinus]

Having "read the manual" on the HMRC site it seems fairly simple - a lot simpler than all those forms at year end!