HMRC Tackles Inaccurate Employee Data

by Robert Lee, Tax-News.com, London

16 February 2012

The UK tax authority HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is offering online advice to employers on how to reduce errors in employee data.

The UK's revenue agency has launched a short YouTube video detailing how inaccurate employer returns can affect employees, employers and HMRC. It also offers help to employers on how to reduce the problems caused by such errors.

HMRC says that while the vast majority of the employee data it receives is correct, in some cases dummy, incomplete or incorrect information is included. A recent study of employer returns found that 128 staff were entered as Mr, Ms or Mrs Dummy, while 824 employees had the surname “Unknown”.

Another 40 employees, according to their dates of birth, were aged over 200. HMRC found that many other employees had their forenames and surnames swapped around, or their first names replaced by initials. This, in particular, can cause problems for HMRC when attempting to identify the individuals.

Jim Harra, HMRC’s Director of Customer Operations, said: “It’s really important that employers get their employees’ information right, so that HMRC can match it to the right tax records. Otherwise, it can lead to more contact from staff, trying to sort out their tax, and from HMRC, trying to sort out the data issues. So, if you’ve got a spare few minutes, watch the video and see what you can do to help your organisation get things right, for you, your employees and HMRC.”

HMRC is also running two free online presentations, or 'webinars'. "Real Time Information (RTI) – an overview" offers a 15 minute look at the RTI timetable, the main day to day changes employers will see, and what help and support is available. "Accurate Employee Information Matters – it can save time and money" is an 11 minute presentation of examples and the implications of inaccurate employee information, plus tips on how to avoid this and make sure that employee information is recorded accurately.

Recommended