HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is among 10 volunteer employers that is piloting the real-time information (RTI) programme from 11 April.
Most employers will join RTI from April 2013 and all employers will be using the programme by October 2013.
RTI is intended to make it easier for employers, pension providers and HMRC to administer pay-as-you-earn (PAYE).
David Gauke, exchequer secretary, said: “RTI will ensure that the PAYE system meets the needs of the 21st century.
“It will improve the service to taxpayers by making it easier to ensure that people pay the right tax after a change of job.
“HMRC is committed to a smooth and on-time transition. The start of the pilot demonstrates that RTI is on track.”
Stephen Banyard, acting director general for personal tax, added: “We have been working in close partnership with stakeholders to ensure that RTI will be introduced progressively, to give time for testing the new systems and processes and allowing them to bed in.
“The pilot will allow us to iron out any wrinkles in a small, controlled environment so that we can ensure RTI is working smoothly as more and more employers join the pilot.
“We are working closely with employers and the payroll industry, but having HMRC take part in the pilot will allow us to see first-hand how it is working from an employer’s perspective.”
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