How to Register for PAYE in the UK — Step-by-Step Guide for Employers
Setting up as an employer in the UK comes with the responsibility of correctly handling your payroll. One of the first and most important steps is registering for PAYE (Pay As You Earn) with HMRC. If you’re unsure where to start, this detailed guide will walk you through the entire process and explain how Audit Consulting Group can support you every step of the way.
What is PAYE and Who Needs It?
PAYE is a system used by HMRC to collect Income Tax and National Insurance contributions from employees’ wages. If you employ staff or pay yourself as a director, you are legally required to register for PAYE.
When Should You Register for PAYE?
You must register before the first payday. HMRC advises you to allow at least 5 working days to receive your PAYE reference number. Late registration can lead to penalties.
How to Register for PAYE with HMRC
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Prepare Your Business Information:
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Company’s legal name and address
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Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR)
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Date you started or will start paying employees
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Go to HMRC’s Registration Portal: Use the official government website to complete the registration. You will create a Government Gateway user ID and password.
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Receive Your PAYE and Accounts Office Reference Numbers: These will be sent by post. You need them to run payroll and report to HMRC.
Running Payroll After Registration
You must:
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Use HMRC-recognised payroll software
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Submit RTI (Real Time Information) every time you pay staff
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Keep detailed records
Common Mistakes When Registering for PAYE
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Registering too early or too late
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Incorrect company details
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Missing UTR or address mismatches
How Audit Consulting Group Can Help
We take the stress off your shoulders. Our team handles the entire PAYE registration process for you — accurately, quickly, and with full compliance. We can also set up and manage your payroll system going forward.
Benefits of working with us:
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Expert payroll and tax advisors
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Fast turnaround
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Ongoing payroll support