Don't you think that any other organisation would post a warning on their web site about this issue as soon as it became apparent together with the suggested way of dealing with submissions until it is fixed? Goodness knows how many telephone calls are being made by Agents and Contractors who are not aware of this problem. What a waste of time for all concerned (including HMRC). No joined up thinking here but not surprised. We keep being told that they are improving but have yet to see much evidence to that effect. Thanks cssmith8757 for posting guidance. Will try that and hope that there are no consequences!
It is necessary to keep the PAYE scheme live because the client (a sole trader) is deducting CIS tax from subcontractors under that PAYE reference. So although there is no prospect of further employees being taken on and I would otherwise close the scheme, this is not possible because of the CIS. It just seems unnecessary bureacracy to have to run a 'nil' payroll and submit FPS each month - a waste of time for all involved. I would try phoning them but suspect I would spend more time trying to get through than I would running the payroll and submitting the reports for the next 12 months. Perhaps another example of HMRC not realising what goes on the the real world. May be the answer is to write - presumably I would get a reply in a few months time.
My answers
Don't you think that any other organisation would post a warning on their web site about this issue as soon as it became apparent together with the suggested way of dealing with submissions until it is fixed? Goodness knows how many telephone calls are being made by Agents and Contractors who are not aware of this problem. What a waste of time for all concerned (including HMRC). No joined up thinking here but not surprised. We keep being told that they are improving but have yet to see much evidence to that effect. Thanks cssmith8757 for posting guidance. Will try that and hope that there are no consequences!
The answer?
Just found what I believe to be the answer on a previous posting on accountingWEB
https://www.accountingweb.co.uk/article/hmrc-shut-down-unused-paye-schem...
Looks as if I have no option but to continue to submit an EPS but only required once a year if HMRC change the scheme to 'Annual'.
Thanks for all the helpful comments.
RTI
Thanks very much for those comments.
It is necessary to keep the PAYE scheme live because the client (a sole trader) is deducting CIS tax from subcontractors under that PAYE reference. So although there is no prospect of further employees being taken on and I would otherwise close the scheme, this is not possible because of the CIS. It just seems unnecessary bureacracy to have to run a 'nil' payroll and submit FPS each month - a waste of time for all involved. I would try phoning them but suspect I would spend more time trying to get through than I would running the payroll and submitting the reports for the next 12 months. Perhaps another example of HMRC not realising what goes on the the real world. May be the answer is to write - presumably I would get a reply in a few months time.