Techy Question - Free Payslip generator from Basic Tools CSV export?

[Deleted member 254055]

I'm looking for a piece of software that can create a payslip from the CSV you can export from HMRC Basic Tools software.

I've actually found a website that does this and it works quite nicely. I can't post a link as I'm new to the forum, but if you cut'n'paste this into google you will find it "Payslip tool Disability Tax Guide".

But I don't really want to be uploading private employee data to a website, as the data could be nabbed by hackers etc.

Does anyone know of any free software I could download and install on my computer that is safe and does the same thing? I know payroll software like SAGE etc can do this, but I'm looking for a quick/dirty/free offline option if it exists?

 

[john1989]

Payroo is a free cloud payroll package that produces payslips.

I'm not aware of any free desktop payroll software.

 

[Newchodge]

How many employees do you have?

 

[kevin.doran]

I think hackers have got more important stuff to steal personally.

As much as Internet security is a general concern, if the likes of Xero, Iris, Clear Books etc are confident client data is secure that's good enough for me.

 

[Alan]

But I don't really want to be uploading private employee data to a website, as the data could be nabbed by hackers etc.

In the example you gave, you may be right to be slightly concerned about security, it seems that they have not made any attempt to even pay lip service to security.

However, unless you are a big company with an information security department then your PCs are probably more vulnerable. I guess you are not a big company as you are looking for 'freeware', which would also lead me to guess even your antivirus software is probably free domestic use software.

However, a little bit further down the Google list, I found some software that does exactly what you want for £15. Of course, you can't be certain that the software hasn't got a malicious payload that will be key logging you and grabbing your banking details next time you sign on, but there is far less chance of that if you have paid something.

I would be very worried about downloading freeware that has anything to do with finance.

 

[Affinis]

I'm looking for a piece of software that can create a payslip from the CSV you can export from HMRC Basic Tools software.

Hi. We sell a very simple tool to do exactly this. We've just released a new version which we are giving away for a limited period (i.e. free). Based on the other members comments about being wary of freely available software, I can only say we are a genuine company. The software is actually based on MS Access. I'd post our website link here but the forum rules don''t permit that so if you are interested please let me know and I'll send you the software. You can always google us - Affinis or find us on facebook.

Dominic

 

[Paul Kelly ICHYB]

'But I don't really want to be uploading private employee data to a website, as the data could be nabbed by hackers etc.'

There is probably less chance of having a problem with a reputable cloud provider, rather than your PC.

If you want to create a payslip from a cs, assuming all of the relevant details are on the csv, do a mail merge, taking the relevant fields and place them onto a sheet of paper.

BTW, do you keep a backup of your files, in case the PC blows up?

 

[Energise Accounting]

I agree with above posts fully just pay for some cloud based software. Although I must admit I don't sign up for bank feeds, I think they are potentially dangerous as banks have made it quite clear they will not refund any money where someone has given out their accountant details and passwords.

 

[David Griffiths]

Although I must admit I don't sign up for bank feeds, I think they are potentially dangerous as banks have made it quite clear they will not refund any money where someone has given out their accountant details and passwords.

I'd be unhappy if one of my clients gave out their accountant details and passwords as well!

On a more serious note, some bank feeds are originated by the banks themselves, so you don't have to give passwords to third parties. Xero for example has direct feeds from HSBC,Natwest, Santander, Metrobank and other in the UK. It's not right to generalise all bank feeds as potentially giving rise to a situation where a bank might refuse to refund money stolen.

 

[Energise Accounting]

yes, David I meant to say account.
You are quite right if the bank feeds are what as known as direct bank feeds you are fine. However, quite a few accounting packages are using a third party provider for which I forget the name where you do have to hand over your account details and passwords.

 

[Deleted member 254055]

Hi. We sell a very simple tool to do exactly this. We've just released a new version which we are giving away for a limited period (i.e. free). Based on the other members comments about being wary of freely available software, I can only say we are a genuine company. The software is actually based on MS Access. I'd post our website link here but the forum rules don''t permit that so if you are interested please let me know and I'll send you the software. You can always google us - Affinis or find us on facebook.

Dominic

Hi Dominic. Many thanks for letting me try this software. I noticed one little bug you may want to look at. When I printed my payslip, I saw I was getting an error for the address field, even though I had filled in the employee address. When I put the employee address into the employer address field, the error disappeared and it showed the employer address on the payslip. Wouldn't it be more normal for the employee's own address to be on the payslip?

 

[Affinis]

Hi. Thanks for the feedback. You're right in that it makes sense to show the employee's address and we have another version planned which does this to fit in a window envelope. At the moment the address at the bottom of the payslip is designed to show the company address, so if this is populated then it will show.