Class 1A deadline approaches

• Wednesday the 19^th of July 2017 (post) or
• Saturday 22 July 2017 if making the payment electronically.

It never hurts to be reminded of two things:

1. The payment reference number and
2. The methods of payment available.

The payment reference number

Some payment methods require the employer to declare the 17-character payment reference number to accompany the payment. If required, it is important that the correct reference number is used, as this will ensure that the payment is allocated against the correct PAYE reference at HMRC.

Simply, the Class 1A payment reference number is a variation on the usual Accounts Office reference number used. At the end, four characters are added that signify:

• the calendar year in which the tax year finished and
• the number 13.

Therefore, the payment reference number for the 2016-17 tax year is 1713.

There are a number of way of actually making the payment to HMRC (and not all require the 17-character reference):

Post

Yes, payment can still be by cheque in the post using the following address:

HMRC
Direct
BX5 5BD

Cheques need be made payable to ‘HM Revenue and Customs only’ followed by the above 17-character reference and accompanied by the Class 1A payslip.

Postal payments must be received at HMRC by Wednesday 19 July 2017.

Electronic

Faster Payments, CHAPS or BACS payments do require the payment reference number and should use the following details:

• sort code 08 32 10
• account number 12001039
• account name HMRC Cumbernauld

There are other electronic payment methods available such as debit or credit card, at the bank, building society or Post Office or via Direct Debit. Please see HMRC’s guidance on all payment methods, as none of them operate in quite the same way.

Electronic payments must be cleared funds at HMRC by Saturday 22 July 2017.

Guidance

Recommended reading is HMRC’s guidance on Gov.UK’s ‘Pay employers’ Class 1A National Insurance’.