Work not submitting wages to HMRC correctly

[workissues2026]

Good morning

My company changed from sole trader to limited company end of 2025. Since March there have been constant issues where they haven’t submitted wages to HMRC correctly.

The issues include
-HMRC not receiving the wage details
-,wages being submitted multiple times

This has led to issues with Universal credit. I have had overpayments and now not being awarded anything. It has affected carers allowance. It has affected tax. On my personal tax account It says I’m not in employment.

Im not the only member of staff. It has affected many staff who have just been told they owe £2000 in tax.

I have raised the issue multiple times. It is causing stress and money issues but it’s still not sorted. It’s been 5-6 months of consistent stress. I’m considering changing jobs I have worked for the company for 14 years. I enjoy my job but this stress is taking its toll. Every month is an issue.

I have called Acas and there’s nothing they can do apart from advise how to raise the issue which I have already done. I’m considering calling citizens advice tomorrow.

Does anyone have any experience? Or any advice?

I forgot to add that I have spoken to HMRC there’s nothing they can do as my employer needs to sort it out

What excuse for being shit does your employer give?

Keep all payslips and P45s. Print them out rather than rely on apps.

If your employer fails to pay over tax deducted but gives payslips you should not have to pay again.

Go down the formal complaint route at your work and CC the CEO. Do list the issues one by one and their knock on effects to you personally. Explain that despite being happy working there for 14 years, you will need to start looking for work elsewhere due to continual damaging effect on your personal finances.

If you look for work elsewhere be honest in interviews about the company’s failures and explain your otherwise happy.

@topcat2014 so far it’s been blamed on HMRC. I have all payslips printed. I have printed my bank accounts to prove only one payment has gone in. I have printed all emails and communication between employer.

@LovelyLassiethank you!

This is the next step. The problem is she is the ceo so it makes it very complicated. We are a small company. I have already sent a complaint and listed every issue. I was told it was resolved in July. Now there’s the issue “no employment”
I think I need to write another formal complaint. The other issue is leaving, will it then still be sorted.

We pay the accountant to run payroll to ensure it’s being done properly. Sounds like your boss is trying to do it on the cheap herself?

@notnormanthis is most likely, although she does have an accountant so I’m not 100% sure what has happened. It could be the accountant doesn’t deal with that side of it. It’s just a complete mess up. Someone from work has messaged me today to say their pay has been completely messed up again

I would be ashamed if I wasn’t paying my staff properly. I think it’s an extra £100 a month to do payroll for 25 staff with my accountant.

I'm sorry this is happening, it did to me as I worked for a small company where the boss did the payroll.
Trying to deal with UC who are convinced that you aren't working and so make appointments you can't get to, send money you sent owed but take forever to organise it so you can pay it back, nightmare!
Unfortunately I Ieft, still owed a little money but I've given up asking for it, it's not fair at all and tbh it's tax fraud but HMRC just seem to let it go.

Honestly leaving may be your only option unless they change their way of working.

@swapsiclesthank you for your advice. This is what I’m thinking. It’s so hard as the job is so flexible working from home so it suits family life. However, the stress is taking its toll now. They don’t seem overly concerned either. It’s not directly affecting them as the owner.

I did apply for a few jobs over the weekend so I’m hoping I hear something from one of those.

Gosh, @workissues2026

I too had a similar problem when I worked for a company that bought out my former employer. I had to leave in the end for multiple reasons and payroll was a major factor. They completely wrecked my PAYE and for four months I was listed as unemployed. They were a newly incorporated company and their stock response was that HMRC delayed their codes.

I ended up on a K code for months in my new job, even my new employers were astounded as their accountants run their payroll. I had lengthy conversations with HMRC as it was putting me in financial difficulties. I have only just now, a year later, recovered from it all.

I did look into it deeply and it appears that there is little that can be done to resolve this issue, I had to go through the motions and I would have fought harder had I not needed another job so quickly.

Payroll is such a niche and complex area. I do wish that companies do not do it themselves if they don't have the correctly skilled person to run it. My current role, i do just round up the hours, starter forms etc, send off to the accountant. It is not a huge cost to pay people properly.

I do not have any advice on your UC element, but you have had some great advice here. But, I can and do empathise with the situation.

Solidarity.