Questions answered
Payroll Services: Frequently Asked Questions
What is included, how the service works and where responsibilities sit.
Do I need to change accountant?
No. Payroll Harbour can provide payroll while your existing accountant continues the accounts and tax work.
Is auto enrolment included?
Routine assessment, communications, contribution calculations and submissions to one supported pension scheme are included. New scheme setup and regulator declarations or re-declarations are separate.
How do we receive payslips and reports?
By password-protected email, with recipients and password arrangements agreed at onboarding. There is no client portal at present.
Do you pay our employees?
No. You make payments to employees, HMRC and the pension provider using the agreed reports.
What happens if we change the figures after processing?
Changes to information you supplied cost £15 + VAT per affected employee, with a £30 + VAT minimum per revised run. Our own processing errors are corrected free.
Can we pay by bank transfer instead of direct debit?
No. Monthly direct debit is a condition of service. An active mandate is required before processing starts.
What if the direct debit fails or is cancelled?
Processing is suspended until the payment issue is resolved and the required mandate is active. We tell you about the suspension and the effect on upcoming deadlines.
Is there an annual contract?
The service rolls monthly, with 30 days’ written notice. Fees remain payable during the notice period.
Can accountants outsource a whole portfolio?
Yes. We agree transfers in stages, communication and approval arrangements. Volume discounts are available where we bill the accountant and it bills its clients.
Do you provide fortnightly or four-weekly payroll?
Yes, by quotation.
Can we send information after the deadline?
Ask us first. Late information may incur an agreed additional fee, and timely processing cannot be guaranteed.
Are HMRC enquiries included?
No. HMRC enquiries, investigations, disputes and historic reconciliations are separately chargeable. Routine payroll submissions are included.