I've got a client who uses the Inland Revenue online calculator for himself, the other Director and they have 8 more employees, then he transfers the information to a spreadsheet to retain the information.
I've never heard of the online calculator before, is this a reliable method rather than using a Payroll system? Obviously it does rely on correct input of all the figures each time which I'm not so confident that he has done in the past but aside from that, is it a good way forward for a small business to avoid paying out for specific payroll software?
I'm in no way an payroll expert but i know a few of our smaller clients use the employer's CD ROM which is sent to them each year. The CD ROM has the same payroll calculator you mention. They generally use it error free. The clients that use this generally come to us and ask for assistance with the payroll year end forms etc and we would generally cast our eye over the calculations at that point.
So in short, I have not really found any problems with client using this system, but i suppose like any system it is open to error, maybe even more so that the likes of sage payroll.
I would not have a problem recomending this to a client with a small number of employees.
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Forgive the typo's I generally do not proof read. Just lazy I guess!
if you set up the employees on the payroll cd rom then you dont have to enter the previous months tax & ni. You can file directly on-line with this as well, p45's etc