End of the line for Employer’s CD-ROM

HMRC confirmed that this month’s update is the final edition it will send out of its Employer’s CD-ROM.

On the page announcing the September release of the biennial information and software CD, the department announced, “HMRC will not send you a paper Employer Annual Pack and Employer CD-ROM to finalise 2010-11 and start 2011-12. Instead of a CD-ROM a set of PAYE tools will be available to download straight to your computer.”

The online tools will include: the employer database; all the existing calculators; electronic forms that can be populated from the database and help information, plus information and links exlaining the new regional NIC holiday scheme.

HMRC stressed the need to install the latest version of the Employer’s CD-ROM, as this will ensure compatibility with the downloadable tools. To confirm that your CD-ROM has been successfully updated, HMRC said to check that the Home Page shows “September Updated Edition” in the top right hand corner.

From the tone of previous comments on AccountingWEB.co.uk, few practitioners will mourn the demise of the CD-ROM. After members encountered problems submitting data and producing P11Ds with the last update, carnmores commented, “There is always a problem with the Employer’s CD-ROM.” Tuliptownman added, “Essentially they have decided that the Employers CD should not be used by agents!”

But the CD-ROM isn’t really intended for agents and the fact remains that it includes useful information and tools for small employers that want to handle their own PAYE. Switching from distributing polycarbonate discs to millions of businesses every year to online delivery will produce "modest savings", the department said. The move also fits into its long-term efiling drive to conduct its business online wherever possible. But many of the companies that rely on the twice-yearly legislative and software updates are likely to lose track if they don’t get a CD through the post.

To ensure that employers stay informed of new tools and advice, HMRC has set up an employer email alert service and it has also made arrangements for those who cannot access the PAYE tools via its website. Those who cannot do so can order the tools on CD-ROM by calling HMRC's Employer Orderline on 08457 646 646. But the department adds, “Please only do so if you really need a disc, as HMRC is very keen to cut down on its costs and to reduce waste.”