UK Payroll Software

HMRC Feb Employer Bulletin: Key Payroll Changes

Elena Segura

Cofounder

HMRC recognised

Givver is officially recognised by HMRC (HM Revenue & Customs) as a payroll software provider. This recognition means our software has met HMRC’s standards, passed their testing process, and is listed on the official GOV.UK site. We’re committed to upholding the quality and compliance that come with this recognition.

What’s in the February Employer Bulletin

HMRC’s February bulletin flags several payroll and employment updates that matter to employers and payroll professionals. Read it fast. Act where you need to. The highlights below give you the practical points and next steps.

Key updates

Reporting expenses and benefits — Guidance for the tax year ending 5 April 2026. Make sure you’re clear on what needs reporting and how to submit it.
End of year reporting — Reminders and timings to close your payroll year correctly. Errors now mean corrections later. Don’t leave it to chance.
State Pension age changes — Upcoming shifts to State Pension age will affect payroll operations. Review how changes impact contributor status and payroll calculations.
Employment Rights Act 2025 implementation — New employer obligations are rolling out. Check your contracts, policies and HR processes so you’re compliant.
Statutory Sick Pay changes — Updates to SSP rules and calculations. Update payroll rules and absence workflows accordingly.
Winter Fuel Payment tax code recovery — Tax code changes for recovering Winter Fuel Payments are being applied. Expect updates to employee tax codes and check payroll software handles them.

What you should do now

Run a quick audit — Check payroll settings, tax code handling and SSP calculations. Fix obvious mismatches before the year end.
Confirm reporting processes — Who files benefits and expenses? Who signs off end-of-year returns? Assign owners and deadlines.
Update HR docs — Review employment contracts and absence policies to reflect the Employment Rights Act changes.
Talk to your payroll provider — Ensure software updates are in place for tax code and SSP changes. Ask for clarifications in writing.
Communicate with staff — If tax codes change or benefits reporting affects pay, tell employees what to expect. Clear communication reduces queries.

Payroll checklist

Confirm which benefits and expenses need reporting for 5 April 2026.
Complete end-of-year reconciliations on time.
Update SSP rules in payroll and train anyone who handles sick pay.
Check tax code notices and reconcile any Winter Fuel Payment recoveries.
Review how State Pension age changes affect NI and payroll status.

Where to get help

HMRC app — Use it to check tax codes, National Insurance and other employer info on the go.
GOV.UK guidance — The bulletin points to official guidance and tools. Follow those pages for the definitive steps.
Privacy and security — Apply standard protections when handling payroll data. HMRC reminds users to be cautious about scams and phishing.
Support channels — Contact HMRC if you need clarification or further guidance.

Final notes

Don’t wait until the last week of March. Small fixes now save time and headaches later. HMRC will continue to send alerts unless you unsubscribe, and the next Employer Bulletin is scheduled for April 2026. Stay on top of these changes and you’ll keep payroll running smoothly.