Can My Company Registration register my new UK company for PAYE in 2026?

Yes. My Company Registration can register your new UK company for PAYE and set up employer PAYE records with HMRC on your behalf. We register employers, obtain PAYE references, and advise on payroll setup and RTI submissions.

What is the PAYE registration process for a new UK company?

The PAYE registration process creates an employer PAYE account with HMRC and issues a PAYE reference used for payroll reporting and payments.
The company provides director and company details, employer contact information, and an expected payroll start date. HMRC verifies the director’s identity and validates company incorporation data. HMRC then issues an employer PAYE reference and an Accounts Office reference by post or secure message. Employers use those references to file Full Payment Submissions (FPS) and Employer Payment Summary (EPS) via RTI and to pay PAYE and National Insurance contributions.

How long does HMRC PAYE registration take?

HMRC typically issues a PAYE reference within 2 to 6 weeks for standard cases; complex or identity-check cases can take longer.
Delays arise when HMRC requires additional identity verification for directors or when incorporation data does not match public records. Electronic submissions with complete director IDs and accurate start dates reduce processing time. Companies expecting to run payroll within 6 weeks must register immediately to avoid late reporting and payment issues.

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What documents and information do companies need to register for PAYE?

Companies must provide the company registration number, registered office, company directors’ full names, dates of birth, National Insurance numbers or passport details, and an expected payroll start date.
Also supply a primary contact email, telephone, and bank details for payment scheduling. For directors without NI numbers, provide passport and address evidence. If any director is a non-UK resident, add passport and UK address history. Accurate documentation prevents HMRC identity rechecks and avoids registration delays.

What common mistakes delay PAYE registration?

Common delays come from incorrect director details, missing NI numbers, mismatched company addresses, and vague payroll start dates.
Providing historic addresses or abbreviated names triggers verification flags. Enter full legal names, official addresses, and exact payroll start dates. Avoid provisional dates such as “ASAP.” Confirm director identity with passport scans or government-issued ID to speed HMRC verification and limit follow-up requests.

When must a new company register for PAYE?

A company must register for PAYE before it runs payroll or pays any employee, including directors, and at least by the first payment date.
HMRC requires employer records for every pay period. Registering after the first payment causes late filing penalties and interest on unpaid PAYE. Register early when you hire staff, when directors start drawing a salary, or when using payroll software. Early registration ensures timely RTI submissions from the first pay date.

How does PAYE registration affect payroll setup and RTI reporting?

PAYE registration supplies the employer PAYE reference used in payroll software to file Real Time Information (RTI) submissions each pay period.
Payroll software links the PAYE reference to employee records and tax codes. You must submit FPS on or before each payment date and EPS when adjustments or statutory payments occur. Registration without correct payroll dates or payment schedules leads to mismatched RTI submissions and HMRC queries.

What penalties and risks arise from late PAYE registration?

Late registration can cause late filing penalties, interest on unpaid PAYE, and compliance investigations for repeated failures.
HMRC imposes penalties based on the number of employees and the length of the delay. For example, employers with 1–4 employees face lower fixed penalty bands than employers with 50+ employees. Persistent late registration increases the chance of HMRC compliance reviews, which require documented payroll records and can lead to further scrutiny.

How does My Company Registration handle PAYE registration for BOFU clients?

My Company Registration completes the registration, verifies director identity, and configures payroll start dates to align with HMRC requirements.
We submit employer details to HMRC, monitor verification status, and deliver the PAYE reference and Accounts Office reference to you. We also provide guidance on integrating the reference into payroll software and on the first RTI submission. Brand Name appears here to ensure continuity and to match your decision-stage needs.

What practical checks prevent PAYE registration errors?

Validate director names against Companies House, confirm NI numbers or passports, set an exact payroll start date, and confirm the company’s registered office matches public records.
Three verification steps: confirm company details with Companies House, authenticate director identity with government ID, and validate contact information for HMRC correspondence. These steps prevent identity rechecks, speed HMRC processing, and ensure first FPS submissions succeed.

How does PAYE registration link to employer tax payments?

The PAYE reference and Accounts Office reference determine where and how to pay PAYE and National Insurance, including payment deadlines and payment methods.
Employers use the Accounts Office reference to schedule monthly or quarterly payments through bank transfer, FPS-linked electronic payment, or direct debit with HMRC-approved facilities. Accurate registration ensures payment allocations match employer records and prevents misapplied payments.

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Which business owners benefit most from a professional PAYE registration service?

Start-ups with directors on payroll, small employers hiring within 6 weeks, and firms lacking payroll expertise benefit most from a professional service.
Early-stage companies often misfile dates and omit director verification details. A professional service registers the employer on time, supplies correct references, and reduces administrative overhead. This reduces exposure to HMRC penalties and speeds operational payroll readiness.

Registering for PAYE is a legal requirement before paying employees. My Company Registration registers your company, verifies director identity, secures PAYE and Accounts Office references, and advises on RTI setup to ensure correct payroll reporting through Register Your Company for PAYE. Use professional registration to cut processing time and reduce HMRC follow-ups.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take My Company Registration to register my company for PAYE?

My Company Registration typically completes the HMRC PAYE submission within 1–3 business days, though HMRC issues the PAYE reference in 2–6 weeks for standard cases. Expect faster processing when the director's identity and payroll start date are provided upfront.

What information does My Company Registration need to register my company for PAYE?

Provide company registration number, registered office, director's full names, dates of birth, National Insurance numbers or passport details, and an exact payroll start date. My Company Registration uses these details to verify identities and submit the employer PAYE application to HMRC.

Can My Company Registration register PAYE for a director who is paid only dividends?

Yes. My Company Registration can register the company for PAYE and record a director as an employee, even if they receive dividends later. Registering ensures compliance if the director receives any salary, benefits, or taxable reimbursements.

Will My Company Registration set up RTI reporting after PAYE registration?

My Company Registration guides to configure payroll software and integrate the HMRC PAYE reference for RTI filings. Clients receive clear instructions for submitting FPS and EPS from the first payroll period to avoid missed RTI deadlines.

What happens if HMRC requests more information after My Company Registration submits PAYE?

If HMRC requests additional verification, My Company Registration notifies you and outlines the exact documents required, such as passport scans or address history. Prompt submission of the requested documents resolves verification and prevents longer delays.