Employers urged to prepare for combined employer return
Revenue Jersey is reminding employers – including building contractors – to prepare for changes to the way they submit their returns of employees’ tax deductions, taxable benefits, contributions and manpower.
Under the current system employers submit their tax, social security, and manpower information on different returns.
From January 2022, employers will submit a Combined Employer Return (CER) every month, which will include tax, social security contributions and manpower all on the same return.
The deadline for the first return under the new system is 15 February 2022.
To complete the CER, employers who use their own payroll software will need to make changes to their systems. Employers who use the online employer returns form will be redirected to a new form when they submit their January 2022 return.
Submissions will need to include the correct social security numbers and tax identification numbers for each of their employees, to be accepted. Ahead of the change, employers will need to ensure all their records are correct and up to date.
Comptroller of Revenue, Richard Summersgill, said: “This initiative will make life easier for employers, enabling them to tell Government about a number of employee-related matters just once. It is the latest step in the Government’s plans to collect revenues more efficiently by centralising services and systems where it is appropriate to do so.”
“We’re committed to achieving this by modernising our legislation, providing easier access to services online, ensuring all customers can understand and meet their obligations while reducing costs.”
“The new return will make the submission process easier for employers but it’s important that employers are sufficiently prepared by having the correct information for their employees. We have been updating employers for some time and there is detailed information and advice on how to prepare for the changes on a dedicated webpage.”
More information about changes is available via the Government of Jersey website: www.gov.je/CombinedEmployerReturn
Payroll suppliers and employers have received information about the changes to give them enough time to update their systems and software.
Employers can also request IT specifications for their payroll provider, or subscribe to regular email updates by emailing: cer@gov.je
Source: Government of Jersey News Release.
September 18, 2024
Related articles
Meet our Team – Jackie Helks
Jackie is our Customer Experience Specialist with a flair for marketing and design! With over a decade of top-level hospitality experience under her belt, Jackie’s expertise in client relations makes her an invaluable asset to us and our Offshore Payroll clients.
Jackie’s commitment to understanding and meeting client needs is hugely impressive. She is here to make your journey with Offshore Payroll smooth and enjoyable. Her previous experience of technical projects includes launching a cloud-based booking system for a high-profile hotel, rebranding and new website planning, as well as managing onboarding, employee rotas and payroll. Plus, she is certified in Zendesk Agent Support and HubSpot Inbound Marketing, adding to her impressive skill set!
Innovation That Drives Business Success
Staying competitive isn’t just about following industry trends – it’s about leading them. At Offshore Payroll, we recognise that every business has unique needs, which is why we offer more than just standard payroll solutions. Our cutting-edge payroll software is designed to streamline operations and empower your business. For those requiring a customised approach, our bespoke development services ensure your payroll system is perfectly tailored to your specific requirements.
Combined Employer Return (CER) and changes to the 8 hour rule
From January 2022, the Jersey 8 hour rule will be replaced with a financial limit. This limit will be equivalent to 8 hours at the minimum wage that is in place at the start of the year.
For weekly paid employees there will be a weekly threshold based on 8 hours per week at the minimum wage. The employer will need to determine, each week, if the employee has reached that threshold and deduct contributions accordingly.
It is possible that an employee may exceed the threshold in some weeks during a month and not others. The Combined Employer Return (due January 2022) will require the earnings for the entire month to be declared for tax purposes but for contributions purposes only the earnings for the weeks where contributions have been deducted should be reported.
For monthly paid employees earnings will only need to be declared for social security purposes where the monthly threshold is reached.
“online, forward-thinking, solution”
We have worked with Offshore Payroll for a few years to help deliver efficient payroll services to our clients, and to support those clients running their own payroll function. It is great to work with an online, forward-thinking, solution, that is actively engaging with users to improve functionality and add new features.
In Guernsey we are used to finding software work-arounds where the technology was not initially designed for businesses based offshore, but Offshore Payroll has been specifically designed with offshore in mind, which is fantastic, and the locally based support means that help is never far away.
Dani Bennett BA FCA – Director
