What to set up
- Register as an employer. Do this with HMRC before the first payday, allowing up to 15 working days for your references.
- Set up payroll. Use recognised software, add your employee with their tax code and pay.
- Budget for employer costs. Employer National Insurance and pension contributions sit on top of the salary.
- Set up the pension. Auto enrolment duties apply from your first eligible employee.
- File in real time. Send a Full Payment Submission on or before each payday, and pay HMRC by the 22nd.
About to make your first hire?
Payroll, real time filing and pensions all start at once. TaxTune sets up your scheme, runs the payroll, and keeps you compliant, so you can focus on your new team member.
Let us run your payroll
We register you as an employer, run each pay run, handle filing and pensions, and tell you what to pay HMRC. Fixed fee per payslip.
Frequently asked questions
What do I need to do before hiring my first employee?
Register as an employer with HMRC before the first payday, set up payroll software, prepare for real time filing, and set up a workplace pension for auto enrolment.
How long does it take to register as an employer?
It can take up to 15 working days to receive your employer references, so register well before your first payday.
What does it cost to employ someone?
On top of the salary, budget for employer National Insurance at 15% above the £5,000 threshold and pension contributions. The Employment Allowance may reduce the National Insurance for eligible employers.
Do I have to provide a pension?
Yes. Auto enrolment duties apply from your first eligible employee. You must assess staff, enrol those who qualify, and contribute.
Can I outsource payroll?
Yes, and many small employers do. It removes the risk of missed submissions and penalties, and we run it on a fixed fee per payslip.