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Part of Get your business ready to employ staff: step by step
Register as an employer

Register by creating an online account

You can register as an employer with HMRC by setting up an account with HMRC’s online services.

After you register you’ll get 2 letters from HMRC containing your:

  • PAYE and Accounts Office references (within 30 working days)
  • activation code for PAYE Online (within 10 working days)

You’ll need these to set up your payroll and send information about your employees to HMRC.

Other ways to register

You can send your details to HMRC securely online using a register as an employer - sole trader form.

You’ll get a letter containing your PAYE and Accounts Office references within 30 working days.

Use these to enrol for PAYE Online.

Your answers

Start again

1. Will the business do any of the following?
Yes
Change 1. Will the business do any of the following?
2. Special rules apply to some types of employer. Do you fall into any of these categories?
No
Change 2. Special rules apply to some types of employer. Do you fall into any of these categories?
3. What type of business are you?
sole trader
Change 3. What type of business are you?
4. Do you have an online account with HMRC?
No
Change 4. Do you have an online account with HMRC?

Part of Get your business ready to employ staff: step by step

  1. Step 1 Decide what type of employee you need

    1. Check whether you need full time or part time staff
    2. Check the different types of employment status

  2. and Check you can afford to take on employees

    1. Check how much the National Minimum Wage is
    2. Find out how much National Insurance you need to pay for your employees
    3. Check how much sick pay your employees are eligible for
    4. Check how much you need to pay towards your employee's pension
    5. Check how much Maternity Leave you need to pay your employees
    6. Check how much Paternity Leave you need to pay your employees

  3. Step 2 Make your workplace safe and accessible for employees

    1. Prevent discrimination
    2. Make your workplace accessible for employees with disabilities or health conditions
    3. Keep employee information and data safe
    4. Fire safety
    5. Health and safety

    You also need to make checks when you recruit and employ someone.

    1. Find out what you need to check when you employ someone

  4. Step 3 Register as an employer and set up PAYE

    You need to register with HMRC so you can pay tax and national insurance for your employees.

    1. You are currently viewing: Register as an employer and set up PAYE
    2. Choose how to run payroll
    3. If you decide to run payroll yourself, choose payroll software

  5. Step 4 Check your responsibilities around workplace pensions

    1. Understand your pension responsibilities as an employer

  6. Step 5 Get Employers' Liability insurance

    1. Find out about Employers' Liability insurance

  7. Step 6 Recruit and employ staff

    1. Employ someone