HMRC's director of customer operations recently disclosed that: "Most employers get their PAYE returns right. The few who do not can cause problems for their employees, for example, incorrect deductions of tax.”

Here’s a few examples of a number who did not get their returns right! Based on incorrect returns submitted, HMRC now have the following data in their files:

•  40 people were apparently 200 years old or more, according to incorrect dates of birth on their paperwork.

•  824 employees with forenames but the surname recorded as "unknown".

•  75 people have simply been named "casual", 11 as "cleaner", nine as "worker" and six as "students".

•  572 people are listed as Mr or Mrs X on their PAYE forms.

•  128 staff are known in their workplace as Mr, Ms or Mrs "Dummy".

HMRC conclude:

“Around 80% of errors in employee data are due to an incorrect name, date of birth or national insurance number; straightforward information that can be collected and checked quite easily.

So, whether you are employing 'Mr or Mrs J Smith' - or even 'Mr or Mrs A N Other', please use the full and official name on your PAYE paperwork. First names are very important, especially for common surnames.”

If you need assistance with your PAYE forms please do not hesitate to contact us.