We Turn Your Numbers Into Sustainable Growth | Start Today →
RTI Submission Errors: Causes & Fixes for UK Payroll
Discover the most common RTI submission errors, their causes, and how to fix and prevent them to stay compliant with HMRC PAYE rules.
PAYROLL & RTI COMPLIANCE
RTI Submission Errors: Causes, Fixes, and Prevention
Real Time Information (RTI) submissions are a critical part of UK payroll compliance. Every time you pay employees, you must report payroll details to HMRC through RTI under the PAYE system. However, even small errors in RTI submissions can lead to penalties, incorrect tax calculations, and unnecessary stress for business owners.
In this guide, we break down the most common RTI submission errors, explain why they happen, and show you exactly how to fix and prevent them.
What Is RTI and Why Accuracy Matters
RTI (Real Time Information) requires employers to submit payroll data to HMRC on or before each payday. This includes:
Employee earnings
Tax and National Insurance deductions
Student loan repayments
Pension contributions
Errors in RTI submissions can lead to:
Incorrect PAYE liabilities
HMRC penalties for late or incorrect filings
Employee tax code issues
Compliance risks for your business
Maintaining accuracy is not just good practice — it is essential for avoiding financial and legal complications.
Common RTI Submission Errors
1. Incorrect Employee Details
One of the most frequent errors is submitting incorrect employee information, such as:
Wrong National Insurance number
Misspelled names
Incorrect date of birth
Wrong address
Why it happens:
Manual data entry, lack of verification, or outdated employee records.
Impact:
HMRC may not match the employee correctly, leading to tax discrepancies.
2. Late RTI Submissions
RTI submissions must be sent on or before payday. Late submissions are a major compliance issue.
Why it happens:
Missed deadlines
Payroll processed after payment
Lack of structured payroll schedule
Impact:
Automatic HMRC penalties and compliance flags.
3. Duplicate Submissions
Submitting the same payroll data more than once can create confusion.
Why it happens:
System errors
Resubmitting without checking status
Miscommunication between payroll teams
Impact:
Overstated payroll liabilities and reconciliation issues.
4. Incorrect PAYE Calculations
Errors in tax and National Insurance calculations can occur due to:
Incorrect tax codes
Outdated payroll software
Manual miscalculations
Impact:
Employees may overpay or underpay tax, leading to HMRC corrections.
5. Wrong Payment Dates
The payment date reported in RTI must match the actual payday.
Why it happens:
Using planned dates instead of actual dates
Processing payroll in advance but reporting incorrectly
Impact:
Incorrect tax periods and HMRC discrepancies.
6. Failure to Submit EPS When Required
An Employer Payment Summary (EPS) is required in certain situations, such as:
Claiming statutory payments
Reporting no payments to employees
Impact:
Incorrect PAYE liability calculations and potential penalties.
How to Fix RTI Submission Errors
Correcting Employee Details
If incorrect employee information has been submitted:
Update records in your payroll system
Submit corrected details in the next Full Payment Submission (FPS)
Ensure consistency across all filings
Fixing Late Submissions
If you missed a deadline:
Submit the FPS as soon as possible
Include a late reporting reason if applicable
Review HMRC guidance to minimise penalties
Resolving Duplicate Submissions
To fix duplicates:
Identify the duplicate entry in your payroll system
Correct through an amended FPS
Reconcile totals to ensure accuracy
Correcting PAYE Errors
If tax calculations are incorrect:
Adjust in the next payroll run
Update tax codes if needed
Use HMRC tools or professional support for accuracy
Amending Payment Dates
If the wrong date was submitted:
Correct it in your next FPS submission
Ensure payroll processing aligns with actual payment timing
Submitting Missing EPS
If you failed to submit an EPS:
Submit it as soon as possible
Ensure all claims and adjustments are accurately recorded
How to Prevent RTI Submission Errors
Prevention is always more efficient than correction. Here are proven strategies to avoid RTI errors
1. Use Reliable Payroll Software
Modern cloud-based payroll systems reduce manual errors and ensure compliance with HMRC requirements.
2. Maintain Accurate Employee Records
Regularly update employee details
Verify information during onboarding
Conduct periodic audits
3. Follow a Structured Payroll Schedule
Set clear payroll deadlines
Align processing with payday
Automate reminders
4. Double-Check Submissions Before Filing
Before submitting RTI:
Review employee details
Confirm payment amounts
Validate tax calculations
5. Stay Updated with HMRC Regulations
UK payroll rules can change. Staying informed ensures:
Correct tax codes
Updated thresholds
Compliance with current legislation
6. Work with Payroll Experts
Outsourcing payroll or working with professionals ensures:
Accurate RTI submissions
Reduced compliance risks
Time savings for business owners
Internal Linking Opportunities
To strengthen your website structure and guide users toward services, consider linking:
Payroll Processing & RTI Submissions (service page)
Bookkeeping Services (for financial accuracy)
HMRC Compliance Support (related blogs or services)
These links help users navigate your site and improve SEO performance.
Why RTI Accuracy Is Critical for Your Business
RTI is not just a reporting requirement, it directly impacts your business operations.
Accurate submissions ensure:
Correct employee payments
Smooth HMRC compliance
Reduced risk of penalties
Better financial visibility
Errors, on the other hand, can damage trust, create administrative burdens, and lead to financial losses.
Conclusion
RTI submission errors are common, but they are also preventable. From incorrect employee details to late filings and PAYE miscalculations, each issue has clear causes and practical solutions.
By implementing structured payroll processes, using reliable systems, and staying compliant with HMRC regulations, you can significantly reduce the risk of errors and maintain smooth payroll operations.
Need Help with RTI and Payroll Compliance?
Managing payroll and RTI submissions can be complex, especially as your business grows. At PACEPOINT Accounting & Advisory Services, we provide accurate, compliant, and fully managed payroll solutions tailored to your business.
Book a free consultation today and ensure your RTI submissions are always correct, timely, and stress-free.
Copyright © 2026 PACEPOINT ACCOUNTING & ADVISORY SERVICES LTD
All rights reserved.