Mar 2021
16
TWSS Reconciliation – Important Update
One year after the introduction of the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme (TWSS), the Revenue reconciliation process is finally underway. Revenue have now compared the total subsidy amounts paid to employees, against the subsidy amounts paid to the employer. This has allowed Revenue to determine the amount of TWSS owed back to Revenue from employers.
All employers who availed of the TWSS will receive a Statement of Account in their ROS inbox on Monday 22nd March 2021. Employers will have until the end of June to review the detailed information and accept the reconciliation amounts. Once you have accepted the reconciliation calculation, you will either be paid any additional amount due to you by Revenue or be required to repay any amount that you owe to Revenue.
Free Webinar
Join Thesaurus Software for a free webinar on Wednesday 24th March at 10.30 am. In this webinar, we will be joined by a guest speaker from Revenue who will discuss what you need to know about the TWSS reconciliation process. Plus, we will demonstrate how to cross-check reconciliation amounts with the payroll software and how payroll automation can help your business during COVID-19.
Agenda
- TWSS Reconciliation Process
- Reconciling amounts in Thesaurus Payroll Manager
- Reconciling amounts in BrightPay
- How payroll automation can help you with COVID-19
*** High demand for this webinar. Book your place now to avoid disappointment. ***
If you are unable to attend the webinar at the specified time, simply register and we will send you the recording afterwards.
Related Articles:
- COVID-19 & Working from Home - 1 Year On
- EWSS Q&A - Common Support Queries
- Lockdown 3.0 - What have payroll processors learned?
Feb 2021
2
Thesaurus Customer Update: February 2021
Welcome to Thesaurus Software's February update. Our most important news this month include:
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Online support – Hundreds of Thesaurus help guides at your fingertips
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Lockdown 3.0 - What have payroll processors learned?
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What to do in Thesaurus Payroll Manager when employees are on the Pandemic Unemployment Payment
EWSS Q&A – Common Questions Answered
As we are back in lockdown, some businesses are just now availing of the EWSS for the very first time. Here we have answered some of the most common queries that our customer support team are being asked.
Free Webinar: A Recap of Recent Wage Subsidy Scheme Changes
The past couple of months have seen a number of updates to both the TWSS and the EWSS, including TWSS reconciliation, employee tax bills, EWSS eligibility and subsidy rates. Register for this free webinar to make sure you keep up to date with the most recent updates.
Coming in February: Thesaurus Connect supports two-factor authentication sign in
With two-factor authentication, you can add an extra layer of security to the employer login on your Thesaurus Connect account in case your password is stolen. Instead of only entering a password to log in, you’ll also enter a code or use a security key.
Working from home with Thesaurus Payroll Manager
All Thesaurus Payroll Manager licences can be activated on up to 10 PCs, meaning you can easily process payroll whether you’re in the workplace or working from home. Thesaurus Connect can help you prevent conflicting copies of the payroll, including an ‘other user check’ and a ‘version check’ when opening the payroll.
Jan 2021
12
Thesaurus Customer Update: January 2021
Welcome to Thesaurus Software's January update. Our most important news this month include:
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The COVID Heroes of the Accounting World
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From the support desk: How do I start processing 2021 payroll?
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How to avoid a payroll nightmare during COVID-19
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How your payroll bureau can survive the COVID-19 crisis
Revenue announce further changes to the EWSS for 2021
Revenue have introduced further changes to the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme. Join us on 20th January as we recap upcoming changes to the EWSS and what these changes mean for your business. Plus, we will share some of the key lessons learned from processing payroll in a pandemic, and how it prepares us for payroll in the ‘next normal’.
Thesaurus Connect – It's better than ever before!
We are committed to consistently improving our software to better serve your needs and enhance your customer experience. This year we have introduced many new features to Thesaurus Connect, including improved multi-user / working from home functionality and an extra layer of security.
- Version checking when opening a payroll file
- ‘Other users’ checking when opening a payroll file
- Define and set custom leave types
- Improved calendar functionality
Pricing Strategies that work – what other practices are doing
In this free webinar for accountants and payroll bureaus we explore how you can maximise the value of your payroll service offering. Learn how technology and automation turn daunting payroll tasks into a smooth and profitable process. We look at four tried and tested pricing strategies that will help secure your payroll profitability.
Moving from Thesaurus Payroll Manager 2020 to 2021
Every tax year we release brand new software in line with the new budgetary requirements. Thus, to move your payroll on to a new tax year, simply download the new tax year version of Thesaurus Payroll Manager. Your software for the new tax year will contain a seamless import facility to bring across your employee details from the previous tax year.
Updates to EWSS Eligibility and Subsidy Rates
There has been a change to the EWSS qualifying criteria for pay dates on or after 1st January 2021. The change relates to the periods to be used for assessing the minimum 30% reduction in sales/orders. Where employers have been availing of EWSS in 2020, they will now need to review expected turnover for the 6 months to 30th June 2021 versus the 6 months ended 30th June 2019 (not 2020). The rates of subsidy have also been revised to better support businesses.
Jan 2021
11
Thesaurus Connect – It's better than ever before!
We are committed to consistently improving our software to better serve your needs and enhance your customer experience. This year we have introduced many new features to Thesaurus Connect, including improved multi-user / working from home functionality and an extra layer of security.
Version checking when opening a payroll file
When you open the payroll, Thesaurus Payroll Manager in tandem with Thesaurus Connect will check to see if there is a more up to date version of the employer file, for example, if the payroll was last updated on a different computer. If a more up to date version is available, you will be given the option to use the latest version, or you may also decide to ignore the latest version and continue working on the version that you are trying to open.
‘Other users’ checking when opening a payroll file
When you open the payroll, Thesaurus Payroll Manager will notify you if someone else is still working on the same employer. The software can notify you when the other user closes out of the payroll, and it will also tell the other user that you are waiting to access the payroll. This new functionality will allow for a completely seamless working from home process where there are multiple people that work on the same employer files.
Define and set custom leave types
Custom leave types are now available in Thesaurus Connect. When a custom leave type is entered, the leave type will be displayed on the calendar for both the employer and the employee to view on their online portal or mobile app. Custom leave can only be entered on an employee’s calendar by a user in Connect. Employees cannot request any custom leave types. Please note: You cannot edit the custom leave types in Thesaurus Connect, they are preset.
Improved calendar functionality
The calendar functionality in Thesaurus Connect has been updated and improved, making it more user friendly and graphically appealing for both employers and employees. Improvements such as calendar and leave view, custom leave types and requesting leave are part of the new enhancements.
Book a demo of Thesaurus Connect today to discover more features that can help you streamline your payroll and HR processes.
Dec 2020
21
Christmas Opening Hours
The management and staff of Thesaurus Software Ltd would like to thank you for your valued custom in 2020 and to take this opportunity to wish you a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
Here are our opening hours for the Christmas period:
| Monday 21st | 09:00 - 13:00 | 14:00 - 17:00 |
| Tuesday 22nd | 09:30 - 13:00 | 14:00 - 17:00 |
| Wednesday 23rd | 09:00 - 13:00 | 14:00 - 17:00 |
| Thursday 24th | Closed |
| Friday 25th | Closed |
| Saturday 26th | Closed |
| Sunday 27th | Closed |
| Monday 28th | Closed |
| Tuesday 29th | 09:30 - 13:00 | 14:00 - 17:00 |
| Wednesday 30th | 09:00 - 13:00 | 14:00 - 17:00 |
| Thursday 31st | 09:00 - 13:00 | 14:00 - 17:00 |
| Friday 1st | Closed |
Call us on 01 8352074, email us at support@thesaurus.ie or complete our online form.
Dec 2020
4
The COVID Heroes of the Accounting World
Thesaurus Software is delighted to announce that BrightPay has won the COVID-19 Hero Award (supplier) at the Accounting Excellence Awards. BrightPay is created by Thesaurus Software, and although this was awarded to BrightPay, this is simply what our company is called in the UK - two different names, but the same company and the same 75 employees behind this award.
The judges recognised that we went above and beyond to support payroll professionals at a time when they were under pressure with government schemes and trying to interpret scheme guidance. Paying employees was one of the areas most impacted by COVID-19 and we recognised customers would struggle to implement government schemes.
The main challenge for us has been delivering upgrades to minimise the stress for customers. Our COVID-19 upgrades were released in advance of scheme changes being implemented. In most cases, we were first to the market with upgrade releases with other providers taking longer or needing additional software bug fixes, not automating scheme calculations or not implementing functionality for every change.
Our speedy upgrades to the payroll software focused on automation functionality to accurately calculate scheme payments and claims which meant customers were prepared and compliant.
Our customer support strategy involved additional staffing and increased hours. Our comprehensive webinar, blog and email strategy educated and informed customers about COVID-19 processes and presented demonstrations of how to action these schemes in our payroll products. Our multi-channel approach guided our customers to easily implement government measures.
Speaking at the Accounting Excellence Awards, host extraordinaire Mike Goldsmith said “the judges saw that BrightPay went above and beyond to support their client base and payroll professionals at a time when they were under pressure with furlough claims and interpreting guidance. BrightPay did this through a coordinated strategy that went beyond product enhancement. Their success in this was evidenced by high customer satisfaction and impressive reach with their support material.”
Find out more about our COVID-19 Response Plan and how we have helped our customers throughout the pandemic.
Related Articles:
Payroll in a Pandemic - Make sure your practice isn't left behind
Thesaurus Software’s COVID-19 Response Plan
Free Webinar: EWSS Explained | Guest: Revenue
Dec 2020
1
Thesaurus Customer Update: December 2020
Welcome to Thesaurus Software's December update. Our most important news this month include:
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National Minimum Wage to increase by 10c per hour
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Thesaurus Software's Response to COVID-19
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Thesaurus & One4all integration: Reward your employee’s this Christmas
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How your payroll bureau can survive the COVID-19 crisis
*** Extra Dates Added to COVID-19 Webinar Series ***
Still confused about the Wage Subsidy Scheme? Don’t worry you’re not alone. Due to phenomenal demand, extra dates have been added to our COVID-19 & payroll webinar series. Join us on 9th December for our free webinar: Important Updates to the Wage Subsidy Scheme | Guest Speaker: Revenue
Time to Renew your 2021 Payroll Licence – What's the Quickest Way?
Due to the impact of the pandemic, our phone lines are busier than ever before which is leading to longer than normal wait times. The quickest and easiest way to purchase your 2021 licence is online. The order process is straightforward and takes approximately 3 minutes to complete. Once your order is complete you will receive your invoice along with your licence key which you will need to activate your 2021 licence.
Please note: Thesaurus Payroll Manager has not been released yet. We will send you another email once the software is available to download and install.
Employee Gift Cards & The Benefits of the Small Benefit Exemption Scheme
As Christmas fast approaches, employers are looking for ways to show their employees their appreciation for their hard work, especially in these difficult times. Employers can reward employees without incurring taxes by giving them a One4all gift card using the Small Benefit Exemption Scheme. Avoid the post office queues and purchase your gift cards from within Thesaurus Payroll Manager. There is no additional charge to avail of this facility to purchase gift cards.
Payroll in a Pandemic - Make sure your practice isn't left behind
Accountants and payroll bureaus are urged to plan and prepare for the upcoming challenges COVID-19 brings to their payroll services. Now is the time to plan and future-proof your payroll bureau for survival. This guide highlights practical tips to ensure COVID-19 doesn’t affect your payroll performance.
New improved ‘working from home’ functionality (Coming 2021)
Thesaurus Payroll Manager 2021 in tandem with Thesaurus Connect will allow for completely seamless ‘working from home’ process where there are multiple individuals who work on or require access to the same employer files. This new functionality improves the remote working experience, giving you all the benefits of the cloud while utilising the power and responsiveness of your local device.
Nov 2020
3
Thesaurus Customer Update: November 2020
Welcome to Thesaurus Software's November update. Our most important news this month include:
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Budget 2021: Employer Payroll Focus
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Revenue Start Compliance Checks and TWSS Reconciliation
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Free Webinar: Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme Explained
COVID-19 Webinar with Guest Speakers Revenue: Wage Subsidy Scheme Explained
We have teamed up with Revenue to bring you a free webinar where we discuss everything you need to know about TWSS reconciliation and the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS), including key changes to the scheme, eligibility criteria, processing subsidy claims, and operating the scheme in Thesaurus Payroll Manager. The webinar will also include a live Q&A session with experts from Thesaurus Software and Revenue. Only 30 places remaining – book your place now.
COVID-19 & achieving business continuity in the cloud
In the ‘new normal’, employers and employees expect to access their payroll information in the cloud. Self-service online portals are changing the way businesses interact and communicate with their employees, whilst providing the cloud functionality to get things done smarter and faster. Thesaurus Connect enables clients to submit employee hours, approve the payroll run, manage their employees’ leave, run payroll reports and much more.
Thesaurus Payroll Manager 2021 is coming soon...
We have some exciting new features coming in Thesaurus Payroll Manager 2021, including improved cloud functionality with Thesaurus Connect. This new functionality gives you the best of both worlds – a desktop-based payroll software but with cloud access capabilities, improving the remote-working experience. Pre-order your Thesaurus Payroll Manager 2021 licence today!
How can an employee app improve your payroll processes?
Traditionally, using a mobile phone in the workplace could sometimes be seen as a complete no-no. But that’s rapidly changing thanks to the myriad of ways that employers are now using mobile technology to streamline their business and boost employee morale. But these apps can do more than make your business a nicer place to work for your employees. They can improve your payroll processes too.
Oct 2020
1
Thesaurus Customer Update: October 2020
Welcome to Thesaurus Software's October update. Our most important news this month include:
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Deadline for EWSS Sweepback is fast approaching!
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Increase to CWPS Rates on 1st October 2020
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Remote working is becoming ‘The New Normal’ - What does this mean for payroll?
TWSS Reconciliation - Upload to ROS before 31st October
As the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme is now closed, to enable an accurate reconciliation between subsidy amounts refunded by Revenue and the amounts of subsidy that employers paid to their employees, Revenue requires employers to report the actual subsidy paid to employees, on each pay date. TWSS Reconciliation files can be created in Thesaurus Payroll Manager within Reports > TWSS Report. This file must be uploaded to ROS by 31st October.
How Does Remote Working Affect Payroll and HR?
When employees are working remotely, even the most basic tasks such as distributing payslips, applying for annual leave and internal communication can be more difficult. However, in the wake of COVID-19, many employers have had to adapt and implement working from home and are now looking for clever solutions to overcome the payroll and HR challenges presented by remote working.
Are you entitled to EWSS for July & August? Don’t miss the sweepback deadline
If you are currently eligible for EWSS, you may be entitled to receive subsidies and PRSI credits in respect of employees paid by you during July and August. In order to make a claim, a CSV file must be uploaded on ROS before 14th October. Thesaurus Payroll Manager includes the ability to prepare the CSV file within the ‘EWSS’ menu. It will also calculate the estimated claim value for you. Claims could be quite substantial, so we urge you to run the report and, if applicable, submit your claim as soon as possible.
Free Webinar: Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme – Extra Dates Added
After the success of our previous booked-out webinar, we have decided to add another date. Join us on 8th October where we discuss TWSS reconciliation, EWSS sweepback and processing wage subsidy claims. Guest panelist: Sandra Clarke - President of the Irish Tax Institute.
Only 10 places left - Book your place now to avoid disappointment!
Thesaurus Connect’s Employee Calendar: Track Attendance at a Glance
The company-wide employee calendar on Thesaurus Connect allows managers to see at a glance who is on leave and when, with different display options to suit your needs. The colour-coded calendar highlights the various types of leave, including annual leave, unpaid leave, sick leave and parenting leave, making staff scheduling and managing leave a walk-in-the-park.
Sep 2020
11
Don't forget about your EWSS July / August Sweepback!
The Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS) replaced the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme (TWSS) which ended on 31st August 2020. As some employees were excluded from the TWSS, eligible employers can backdate a claim for EWSS to 1st July 2020 in respect of certain employees.
If you are currently eligible for EWSS, you may be entitled to receive subsidies and PRSI credits in respect of employees paid by you during July and August.
- If you previously claimed TWSS for July and August, any employee who did not qualify for TWSS may be eligible for an EWSS claim. Essentially, this means that any employee who started with you on or after 1st March, who was not employed by you at any stage during January or February, should be eligible for EWSS in respect of any payments made to them during July or August. The potential claim can be quite substantial e.g. if you had just one employee qualifying for EWSS being paid by you for July and August, the combined subsidy and PRSI credit could exceed €2,000.
- If you did not previously qualify for TWSS but now qualify for EWSS, any employees paid by you at any stage during July or August should be eligible for EWSS.
In order to make a claim, a CSV file listing the PPSN numbers and Employment IDs for all eligible employees must be uploaded on ROS. Our latest software upgrade (available when you launch our software), includes the ability to prepare the CSV file. It will also calculate the estimated claim value for you. This is available in the 'EWSS' menu in Thesaurus Payroll Manager.
Because of the tight timelines in releasing our upgrade and because we may not have access to all payroll data since the start of the year, we cannot guarantee the calculated claim value and it should therefore be viewed as indicative.
The ROS upload facility is expected to be available from 15th September within the “Employer Services” Section on ROS. All applications must be submitted by the employer or agent through ROS before 14th October.
Following receipt of the sweepback CSV, Revenue will then process these files and validate them against the rules of the scheme. If an employee is deemed eligible, Revenue will calculate the total subsidy due to be paid and will arrange for the subsidy to be paid as soon as practicable after 16th September. Payment in respect of additional submissions received after 16th September in respect of July/August will be made weekly thereafter up until 14th October.
Claims could be quite substantial, so we urge you to run the report and, if applicable, submit your claim as soon as possible.
Revenue guidance on the rules surrounding the sweepback and the claim process can be viewed here.
Free Webinar: Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme
Interested in finding out more about EWSS? Join us for our free webinar on 8th October where we discuss everything you need to know about EWSS eligibility, processing subsidy claims and the new guidance in relation to the July/August Sweepback.
Don’t miss out – Places are limited. Click here to book your place now.
