HMRC has confirmed that employers will be able to set up recurring direct debits for pay as you earn (PAYE) payments this year.

employers can currently pay their PAYE contributions via direct debit, but only as a one-off.

Including recurring direct debits is part of HMRC's wider plan to create a consistent set of payment methods for all taxpayers, rather than limited services.

Once launched, there will be changes to business tax accounts and the employers' liabilities and payments screens, giving the option to set up a direct debit.

The change means HMRC will be able to collect PAYE payments directly from the designated accounts.

After setting up an account, employers will be able to manage their direct debits and cancel them if need be.

HMRC has also confirmed that it is extending employer PAYE for the agent online services, which will allow agents to see employer liabilities and payment records held by HMRC.

All previous restrictions will be removed by the end of July and in future, all agents will be able to access the service.

The new function will roll out to a small number of agents before being fully rolled out.

Ask us about your PAYE.