---
title: PAYE scheme registration (Standard and Scale)
description: PAYE scheme registration (Standard and Scale)
---

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# PAYE scheme registration (Standard and Scale)

## Our PAYE scheme registration explained

PAYE scheme registration is included in our Accounting Standard and Accounting Scale plans. We register your company as an employer with HMRC before your first payroll is run. It is not included in our Accounting Simple plan.

### What PAYE registration involves

We register your company with HMRC's employer PAYE service. HMRC issues two references: an Employer PAYE Reference and an Accounts Office Reference. We use these to submit your payroll data each month and to process PAYE payments to HMRC on your behalf.

### What we need from you

- The date you started or plan to start paying employees
- Full names and National Insurance numbers of any directors or employees to be added to payroll
- Your Government Gateway company login credentials

### After registration

Once we have everything we need from you, we aim to submit your PAYE registration to HMRC within 2 working days. HMRC then issues your Employer PAYE Reference and Accounts Office Reference, which usually takes up to 2 to 3 weeks to arrive. As soon as those references come through, we set up your payroll and run your first pay run within 2 working days.

Because the references can take a few weeks, please allow up to three weeks overall from providing your information to your first payroll being run.

💡 **Good to know:** PAYE registration must be completed before the first payroll is run. Please notify us at least three weeks before your intended first pay date.

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