Need Some Expert Advice?

Do you have a burning desire to know the difference between the lower and upper earnings level? Or how to handle tax credits and attachment of earnings orders? Then why not ask Keith.

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• Q"One of our members of staff does not have an NI number. Are we able to trace their NI number on their behalf?"

  Yes, you are. You need the form CA6855, which allows you to trace up to 6 different employees at one time, and this can be downloaded from www.hmrc.gov.uk. Once you have completed the form with as much information as possilbe, simply send the form to the appropriate address and wait for the response from HMRC.

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• Q"We employee over 50 members of staff. Is it right that we have to submit our annual returns (P14 and P35) online?"

  Yes. Large and medium size employers (i.e those with 50 or more employees) are required to submit the annual returns P14 and P35 online. Also, from 6 April 2009, large and medium employers are now required to submit in-year forms P45 etc online too.

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• Q"What does it mean when a code number says week 1 or month 1? "

  When a code is operated on a week1/month1 basis this means that you use week 1/month 1 of the Tax Tables on each weekly or monthly pay day. This basis is non-cumulative, which means you don't add the pay and tax to the previous weeks or months figures of pay and tax.

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• Q"Do I need a medical certificate before paying SSP? "

  Employers do not require medical evidence before paying SSP. If an employee satisfies all the conditions to receive SSP and the employer has no reason to doubt the incapacity, SSP can be paid without medical evidence.

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• Q"When do I have to start deducting NICs from my employee's wages? "

  NICs should be deducted from an employee's wages providing; they are over age 16, they are under state retirement pension age, their earnings are above the weekly, or equivalent, Earnings Threshold (ET).

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