On 28 September 2026, HMRC published updated service availability and issues guidance for the Payrolling Benefits and Expenses online service. This service enables employers to report and pay tax on employee benefits and expenses in real time through payroll, removing the need for end-of-year P11D forms for registered benefits. The guidance provides real-time system status, known technical issues affecting benefit registration and in-year reporting, and planned maintenance schedules. It is essential for payroll agents, large employers, and software providers managing payrolling of benefits such as company cars, medical insurance, and accommodation. The service operates alongside the PAYE real-time information (RTI) framework.
Key Takeaways
- Real-Time System Status for Payroll Compliance: Employers and agents can monitor the operational status of the payrolling benefits service to ensure timely registration of new benefits and accurate in-year tax deduction calculations.
- Documented Known Issues with Workarounds: The guidance identifies specific technical issues affecting benefit valuations, car fuel benefit calculations, and data synchronization with RTI submissions, with prescribed workarounds to prevent reporting errors.
- Planned Maintenance Alignment with Payroll Cycles: Published maintenance windows allow payroll teams to schedule benefit registrations and amendments around service downtime, avoiding last-minute compliance risks before tax month-end deadlines.
Disclaimer: This article is compiled and summarized by the AI based on publicly available information and is for general information purposes only. It does not constitute any form of formal tax advice, legal opinion, or basis for performance. Please consult a qualified professional tax advisor or legal counsel for tax advice.
Source: Read Official Announcement