Tide Logo
Tide Logo

Register a Company

Business Accounts

Business Tools

Borrow

Support

Tide Logo

How to set up your Tide Payroll

To start using Tide Payroll, you first need to connect with HMRC.

This lets Tide Payroll work seamlessly with HMRC's Pay As You Earn system, so you and your employees' tax, national insurance and Student Loans are all calculated and paid automatically.

Use the steps below to get everything set up.

null
null

Step 1: Register with HMRC as an employer

You'll first need to let HMRC know that you're an employer, even if you're a director-only business that doesn't have any employees. If you've already done this, skip steps 1 and 2.

By registering, you'll be set up for PAYE (Pay As You Earn), HMRC's system for collecting tax and National Insurance, as well as student loans.

Registering takes about 15 minutes, but HMRC can take up to up to 20 working days to process it. Bear this in mind to avoid delays to your payroll.

To register, follow these onscreen instructions. You'll need your:

  • Company name, number, and address

  • Number of employees (including all directors)

  • Director(s) name, email address, and National Insurance number

  • Your chosen first salary payment date

null

Step 2: Get your payroll details

Once you've registered, you’ll get a letter in the post within 1-3 weeks containing an activation code.

Log in to your Government Gateway portal and you’ll see a box called “PAYE for employers”. Click on this and enter your activation code to gain access. 

Once you’ve got access, you’ll be able to see your 'Employer PAYE Reference' and your 'Accounts Office Reference', which you’ll need for Step 4.

null

Step 3: Connect your HMRC account to Tide Payroll

You’ve now got everything you need to set up Tide Payroll. 

Start by logging in to your Tide app, going to the 'Admin' tab and tapping 'Payroll' > 'Connect your account'.

Here you can add the Government Gateway user ID and password you use to log in to your HMRC business tax account. Be sure not to use your personal tax account login details. Tap 'Save account details' to confirm them.

null

Step 4: Sync your employer references

Having registered with HMRC in Step 1, you'll now have your 'Employer PAYE Reference' and your 'Accounts Office Reference' mentioned in Step 2.

On your app's 'Payroll' homescreen, tap 'Sync your references' and add them to your Tide Payroll. Tap 'Save employer references' to confirm them.

You've now connected your account to HMRC, and are ready to add in your information and schedule your first payday.

null

Step 5: Add your (and your directors') details

You're now ready to add your personal details, so your personal tax is calculated accurately.

On the 'Payroll' homescreen, tap 'Add yourself to payroll' and add your:

  • Name and address

  • National insurance number

  • Bank details

  • Employment start date

  • Student loan details

  • Payroll ID number (which can be any number you choose)

If you have any directors in your company, add their details too.

null

Step 6: Set your first payday

You're now ready to set your first payday. The 28th of the month is standard, but you can choose any day you like.

On the 'Payroll' homescreen, tap 'Set your first payday' and confirm it.

Be sure to run payroll within 2 months of registering as an employer, or HMRC may deactivate your registration and you’ll have to register again. If this happens to you, contact HMRC here.

You've now fully set up your Tide Payroll, and can manage your salaries through your Tide app.

Learn more about Payroll

Read more articles
Read more articles