Aug 2013
12
LPT and the Revenue slam dunk
The introduction of Local Property Tax (LPT) in last year’s budget provoked much outrage and opposition. Marches, public meetings and demonstrations were staged in many parts of the country to protest against the new tax. One of the more popular suggestions was to boycott LPT but all of this noise and bluster was in vain as the measures introduced by the tacticians in Revenue were decisive in ensuring almost total compliance.
When planning the implementation of LPT, Revenue paid particular attention to the payment option “deduction at source”. Although only 5% of compliant taxpayers would eventually opt for this particular payment method, the crucial issue was that nearly all non-compliant taxpayers would be caught in this net. “Deduction at source” in the main refers to deduction from salaries or pensions.
The consultation process between Revenue, the payroll software companies and their representative body PSDA (Payroll Software Developers Association) was detailed and ensured that the mechanics of the LPT deduction in payroll was clear and simple. One of the main reasons that the start date was deferred until 1st July was to ensure the readiness of both Revenue and the payroll software companies for the new deduction.
Just this week, Revenue is preparing to issue P2Cs to employers containing updated LPT amounts. Many of the amounts will be enforcement estimates. Employers will not be able to tell the difference between normal LPT and enforcement LPT. The employers receiving these P2Cs have no choice but to comply, otherwise they will become liable themselves in much the same way as if they failed to deduct PAYE or PRSI.
No matter how militant an employer might be against LPT, it is unlikely that they will risk becoming liable for it on behalf of their employees.
All of the anti LPT campaigners advocating non-compliance really had no chance from the outset when pitted against the Revenue strategists.
Bright Contracts – Employment contracts and handbooks
BrightPay – Payroll Software
Jul 2013
29
The Payroll Software Choice - Thesaurus Payroll Manager or BrightPay
In January 2013, we launched our new payroll software, BrightPay. The rollout of BrightPay was met with a very positive response, particularly from those users who switched to avail of its added functionality.
We understand the comfort of sticking with what you know. Therefore we will continue to offer Thesaurus Payroll Manager for the foreseeable future – it is not being phased out!
BrightPay is built using modern technology, offering some immediate benefits:
- The user interface is very clean, simple and fluid. With full control over every pixel on the screen, we have put extra attention into how it looks and feels. BrightPay optimally fills your screen no matter what size display you use. All in all, it makes for a much better experience.
- By re-architecting the software from the ground up, we were able to design it with many advanced payroll features in mind, including:
- The ability to roll back one or more employees to any period, from any period.
- Very flexible reporting that allows you to build the exact report you want.
- Live payroll calculation previews which update as you type.
- The ability to add unlimited payments, rates, additions, deductions, BIK, etc. on a payslip.
- An interactive calendar for entering annual leave, sick leave, parenting leave, etc.
- Support for employees in multiple departments.
- Support for opening multiple employer files simultaneously.
- Future-proof for more upcoming features and integrations.
We encourage you to download BrightPay and have a look. If you wish to switch from Thesaurus Payroll Manager to BrightPay we would advise doing so at the start of a tax year, as it allows for an easier transition (with full import support) than a mid-year switch.
Remember if you hold a Thesaurus Payroll Manager licence you can avail of a BrightPay licence for the same tax year free of charge.
Bright Contracts – Employment contracts and handbooks
BrightPay – Payroll Software
Jul 2013
29
Foreign Currency Transactions - an area where you could save money
If you are paying any of your employees (or suppliers) in sterling or another non-euro currency, then you are probably experiencing higher banking fees and less competitive exchange rates than you should be. This is an area where you can reduce costs if you investigate alternative options to the conventional bank plus gain time with faster transfer options.
One alternative provider to your bank is TransferMate, who offer an impressive fast, efficient and cost effective service. We have been highly impressed with their service. Estimate the savings you can make by using their “savings calculator” at www.transfermate.com.
Bright Contracts – Employment contracts and handbooks
BrightPay – Payroll Software
Jul 2013
29
2013 SFA Awards
We told you in December how, much to our delight, we had been shortlisted as a finalist in the 2013 SFA Awards, “Innovator of the Year” category directly resulting from our innovation in software development. This was in no small part attributable to our new dynamic software, BrightPay and Bright Contracts.
The final winner of the category was Megazyme, who were also announced as the overall winner of the awards.
Megazyme is a biotechnology company which employs 34 people and is involved in the development of analytical test kits and reagents for the agricultural, food, wine, dairy and biotechnology industries.
We extend our congratulations and good wishes for their continued success.
Bright Contracts – Employment contracts and handbooks
BrightPay – Payroll Software
Jul 2013
29
Recent Customer Survey
We are constantly working towards improving the entire customer experience from customer support to improved functionality of the software. We would like to thank you for the time taken to complete our online survey and we will use your feedback to improve our service to you.
An iPad mini was up for grabs for taking part and the winner of this was Margaret Sullivan of Shellfish De La Mer Ltd.
Bright Contracts – Employment contracts and handbooks
BrightPay – Payroll Software
Jul 2013
29
Real Time Information (RTI) - the UK experience so far
From April 2013, the UK has experienced a major change in the way employers report PAYE to HMRC. Employers now report their payroll information to HMRC in real time, on or before every payday. This is akin to a P35 being submitted weekly, fortnightly or monthly by UK employers .
Having such up to date information means that HMRC can issue accurate and timely instructions to employers thereby ensuring that an employee’s tax position at any time is correct i.e. there are less under or overpayments of tax. It will also help ensure the success of the new universal credit system whereby six working-age benefits will be merged into one.
There has been a number of teething problems with the new system, which is only to be expected given the scale of the change but various actions taken by HMRC prior to the live date have ensured that the transition has gone relatively smoothly. These actions included a pilot program, consultations with employer groups, consultations with software companies, various workshops and an overall general helpfulness on the part of the relevant HMRC staff.
It is understood that the Irish Revenue is a very interested spectator!
Bright Contracts – Employment contracts and handbooks
BrightPay – Payroll Software
Jul 2013
29
SEPA - an update
The latest version of Thesaurus Payroll Manager (2013.2.0 onwards) allows you to prepare SEPA compliant credit transfer files if you bank with AIB or DanskeBank.
From a payroll prospective, it is important to note that, at present, SEPA is really only beneficial to you if any of your employees wish to have their wages paid directly into a euro bank account in another EU state. Otherwise, the only benefit to you is being an early adopter and knowing that this is one less thing you will need to do next year.
If your bank requires a SEPA format credit transfer file for the payment of wages then you can use the SEPA feature within Thesaurus Payroll. This operates seamlessly, converting each employees bank details into BIC and IBAN formats for all domestic payments. In short, you need only obtain BIC and IBAN details for those employees who require payment into a euro bank account in another EU state.
Bright Contracts – Employment contracts and handbooks
BrightPay – Payroll Software
Jul 2013
29
2014 Budget date
The Minister for Finance, Michael Noonan, has confirmed that preparations have already commenced for Budget 2014. Delivery date of the Budget has been brought forward to Tuesday 15th October 2013.
Bright Contracts – Employment contracts and handbooks
BrightPay – Payroll Software
Jul 2013
29
Local Property Tax - now a part of the Irish taxation landscape
LPT deductions at source (i.e. from payroll) became effective from 1st July 2013. The LPT deduction is advised to the employer by Revenue only and should not be implemented or amended under any other circumstances (e.g. by employee request).
The “Acorn to Oak Communications Plc -v- An Taoiseach, An Tánaiste and 48 Others” case was heard in the High Court last week and the case was dismissed. As far as we are aware, this ends the last legal challenge to the new tax.
Revenue will advise employers to make this deduction by the inclusion of an LPT field on the employee’s tax credit certificate issued to the employer (P2C). The deduction is only made in the circumstance that the employee has elected with Revenue to have the tax deducted from their salary or if Revenue are imposing the deduction, therefore employers will only make the deduction from some employees if not all.
Employers should not deviate from Revenue instructions. All employee queries relating to any LPT deduction or amendment should be directed to Revenue.
The latest versions of Thesaurus Payroll Manager (2013.2.0 upwards) automatically update employee records to implement LPT deductions, where applicable, once the latest P2Cs have been imported. All employee statements of earnings; Payslips, email payslips, P45, P60, will reflect LPT deductions made by employers on the employees behalf.
It is important that employers import the latest P2C file available to them from their ROS account in order to update employee details for such amendments.
Bright Contracts – Employment contracts and handbooks
BrightPay – Payroll Software
Jul 2013
23
BrightPay supporting Barretstown
Congratulations to our BrightPay team members, Denise and Caroline, on their completion of the PowerFit spinathon in aid of Barretstown.
Thesaurus Software is a strong advocate of Barretstown who offer an invaluable service to society rebuilding the lives of seriously ill children and their families.
We at Thesaurus Software recognise the hard work of all charities and the current difficulties they face in meeting their challenges, to that end we offer all registered charities a free standard payroll software license and customer support on an ongoing basis. Click here for our terms and conditions.
Bright Contracts – Employment contracts and handbooks
BrightPay – Payroll Software
