Jun 2018
5
Thesaurus Customer Update: June 2018
PAYE Modernisation: Understanding and implementing the new legislation
The way in which we communicate and send payroll information to Revenue is changing. The objective of PAYE Modernisation allows for Revenue, employers and employees to access the most accurate, up-to-date information relating to pay and statutory payroll deductions. PAYE Modernisation will be effective from the 1st of January 2019 and will apply to all employers.
Bureau webinar | Employer webinar
Free Webinar: Payroll Data & GDPR - What you need to know
Employers must take steps to protect and securely manage employees’ personal data to comply with GDPR. Equally, where a business outsources their payroll to a third party (payroll bureau), they are legally obliged to provide assurances to safeguard the payroll information they manage on behalf of their clients. Places are limited.
PAYE Modernisation - The Facts
PAYE Modernisation is a mandatory payroll requirement that will be introduced from the 1st January 2019. It won’t change the way you calculate your PAYE information, it just means that you will need to send your data through to Revenue in real time. Every time you pay your employees (i.e. each pay period), you will need to submit PAYE information to Revenue, through an API link via your payroll software.
Read full article | Register for webinar
GDPR - What to include in your template Data Processor Agreement
Whenever a data controller uses a data processor there needs to be a written contract in place. The contract is important so that both parties understand their responsibilities and liabilities. The GDPR sets out certain information which needs to be included in the contract.
Find out more | Template Data Processor Agreement
Thesaurus Connect’s NEW Employee Smartphone App
Our employee self-service smartphone and tablet app is available with our cloud add-on Thesaurus Connect. The advancement of employee mobile apps offers many different advantages for employers, employees, and the business as a whole. For employers and HR Managers, the user-friendly portal will streamline payroll processing while reducing the number of payroll queries from employees.
How has Thesaurus Software prepared for GDPR?
Data Protection has always been a concern for Thesaurus Software and we have always aimed to act with complete integrity in this regard. In preparation for GDPR, we have had to complete a total review on how we gather, maintain and use data. We have taken steps to securely protect our customers information including increased encryption, securely deleting files from our servers and updating our privacy policies in line with GDPR.
Key changes | Updated privacy policy
How Thesaurus Connect can help with GDPR!
Where possible the data controller should offer self-service remote access to a secure system providing individuals with access to his or her personal data. Thesaurus Connect is a self-service option which provides online access 24/7. Employees can view and download current and historic payslips, P45’s and P60’s. Annual leave can also be requested which flows through as a notification for the employer to approve. Employee contact information can be edited and updated keeping records accurate at all times. For payroll bureaus, clients can access payslips, a leave calendar, amounts due to Revenue and payroll reports.
Are you missing out on Thesaurus Software's newsletter? We will not be able to email you without you subscribing to our mailing list. You will be able to unsubscribe at anytime. Don’t miss out - sign up to our newsletter today!
Mar 2018
29
Customer Update - April
Please confirm whether you want to hear from us (GDPR related) - Important Update
From May 2018, we will not be able to email you about webinar events, special offers, legislation changes, other group products and payroll related news without you subscribing to our newsletter. This is due to the GDPR legislation. You will be able to unsubscribe at anytime. Don’t miss out - sign up to our newsletter today!
PAYE Modernisation is arriving on 1st January 2019. Be Ready!
The way you process payroll is changing forever. PAYE Modernisation is a new system that is being introduced where all employers must comply and implement the new PAYE changes. From the 1st January 2019, payroll will need to be processed in real time, where employers will be required to calculate and report their employees pay and deductions as they are being paid. Guest Speaker: Sinead Sweeney from Revenue
Find out more | Register for free webinar
Free Webinar: What does GDPR mean for your business?
Employers process large amounts of personal data, not least in relation to their customers and their own employees. Consequently, the GDPR will impact most if not all areas of the business and the impact it will have cannot be overstated.
Employer Webinar: 8th May | Bureau Webinar: 1st May
Rate Thesaurus Software on Google Reviews
As a valued customer, your feedback is very important to us. Please share your views about Thesaurus Software on Google Reviews. The review takes about 2 minutes to complete and helps potential new customers understand what you like about us. Click on the link below and you will see Thesaurus Software on the right hand side. Click ‘Google Reviews’.
Start review here | Read customer testimonials
New SEO gives enhanced employment rights to plumbers and fitters
The Sectoral Employment Order (SEO) now replaces the old Registered Employment Agreement system which was ruled unconstitutional in 2013. This is the second SEO that has been enacted after the Construction Industry SEO was introduced last October. The SEO sets out increased employment rights for those plumbers and fitters working in the industry.
Thesaurus Connect can help with GDPR!
Under the GDPR legislation, where possible the controller should be able to offer self-service remote access to a secure system which would provide the individual with direct access to his or her personal data. BrightPay Connect is a self-service option which will give you, your clients and their employees online remote access to view payslips and other payroll documents 24/7.
Find out more | Register for GDPR webinar | Book a demo
Feb 2018
5
Thesaurus Customer Update - February 2018
PAYE Modernisation is coming…. Are you ready?
The Irish PAYE system is currently undergoing a massive overhaul, with new changes being implemented from 1st January 2019. This is called PAYE Modernisation. The existing system was introduced nearly 60 years ago and so this update is long overdue. What do you need to do to prepare for this new system?
Employer Webinar (27th March) | Bureau Webinar (28th March)
Increase to Minimum Wage from January 2018
The National Minimum Wage for an experienced adult worker has now increased to €9.55 per hour from January 1st 2018. This is the third year in a row that the National Minimum Wage has been increased but this is by far the largest with an increase of 30c.
Is it discrimination to top up Maternity Benefit but not Paternity Benefit?
September 2016 saw the introduction of Paternity Leave, that for the first time ever allowed fathers/partners to take two weeks paid leave on the birth of a child/placement of a child for adoption. The question then arose that if by topping up Maternity Benefit, would an employer by default have to top up Paternity Benefit?
Read full article | What is Bright Contracts?
Keep your payroll data secure with Thesaurus Connect
With Thesaurus Connect, you can safely and securely backup your payroll data to the cloud. The add-on will keep a chronological history of your backups, which can be restored to your PC at any time. Never lose your payroll data again by storing this information online, while protecting against ransomware and similar threats.
Automatic Enrolment - Mandatory Pension Reform for Ireland
The Irish Government aims to bring in an automatic enrolment system where all employers would enrol their employees into a workplace pension scheme. All employers are likely to have certain mandatory duties to complete, including choosing a suitable pension scheme, informing employees about their rights and making an employer contribution to each employee’s pension pot.
Free Webinar: GDPR for Payroll Bureaus
The countdown is on!! The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) comes into effect on 25th May 2018, however this date is a deadline as opposed to a starting point. With hefty non-compliance fines, it is important to make sure you are prepared. Register now for our free, CPD accredited webinar which takes place on 8th March.
Thesaurus Newsletter - Are you missing out?
GDPR is changing how we communicate with you. After May 2018, we will not be able to email you about webinar events, special offers or other news without you subscribing to our newsletter. Don’t miss out - sign up to the Thesaurus newsletter today!
Dec 2017
7
December 2017 - Customer Update
Free Webinar: Year End Process - Thesaurus Payroll Manager
Our highly experienced support professionals have put together this free webinar covering the year end procedures within Thesaurus Payroll Manager.
Sign up to the Thesaurus newsletter
Do you want to hear more about future CPD events, free ebooks, industry updates and special offers? Subscribe to the Thesaurus newsletter today. You will have the option to unsubscribe at anytime.
Purchase employee Gift Cards with Thesaurus Payroll Manager
Thesaurus Payroll Manager now offers a facility where users can securely purchase one for all gift cards for their employees. In 2015, the Irish government announced that employers could give a gift card of up to €500 tax free to employees. Gift cards arrive addressed to the employer in an unmarked envelope for extra security.
Free Webinar - How will PAYE Modernisation affect your business?
PAYE Modernisation is probably the biggest overhaul of the PAYE system since PAYE itself was introduced back in 1960. It will have wide ranging effects on all employers across Ireland. Places are limited.
Employers: 24th January | Bureaus: 25th January
Changes to Illness Benefit from 1st January 2018
With effect from 1st January 2018, employers will no longer be responsible for taxing Illness Benefit. From this date Revenue will tax Illness Benefit by adjusting employee's tax credits and/or rate bands.
Auto Enrolment to be introduced by 2021
Today, we are all living longer healthier lives. However, as a nation, we are not saving enough for our retirement. The Irish government aims to bring in an auto enrolment system where all employers would be required to enrol their employees into a workplace pension scheme and contribute towards the employee pension pot.
Free Webinar - What does GDPR mean for your business?
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) comes into effect on 25 May 2018. Employers process large amounts of personal data, not least in relation to their customers and their own employees. Consequently, the GDPR will impact most if not all areas of businesses and the impact it will have cannot be overstated.
Employers: 30th January | Bureaus: 8th March
More for bureaus
Payroll for bureaus: From loss leader to profit centre
New technologies can positively impact the way bureaus offer payroll services. There are several exciting developments that are happening right now in the cloud. Be ready to offer a new level of payroll and HR services by embracing new-world online technologies.
What's new for Thesaurus Payroll Manager 2018?
Thesaurus Payroll Manager 2018 is now available to purchase online. We’re delighted to introduce our new bureau features that will help you get the very best payroll experience yet, including direct emailing of reports, a payroll journal export and much more.
Oct 2017
19
Customer Update
Free Webinar: What you NEED to know about PAYE Modernisation
PAYE Modernisation is probably the biggest overhaul of the PAYE system since PAYE itself was introduced back in 1960. It will have wide ranging effects on all employers. Register now for our free webinar to find out what you need to know about PAYE Modernisation. Speakers include Paul Byrne (Thesaurus Software) & Sinead Sweeney (Revenue)
CPD Webinar: GDPR for your Payroll Bureau (Bureaus Only)
Data protection and how personal data is managed is changing forever. On 25 May 2018 the new General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) will come into force. The GDPR is a European privacy regulation replacing all existing data protection regulations. Register now for our free, CPD accredited webinar to find out how this new legislation will affect your payroll bureau.
"What do you mean... Do I have a backup?” - A day in the life of Customer Support
One of the most common calls on the support line is from a distressed customer who tells us they have lost their payroll information. Reasons for the loss of this information are varied and could be anything from a laptop being stolen, a virus attacking the computer or fire or water damage to the computers in the office.
Thesaurus Connect - Try for Free
We are giving customers one free Thesaurus Connect 2017 licence. With Thesaurus Connect, employers can login to their own personal employer dashboard where they can access employee payslips, payroll reports and a company wide calendar. It also includes a self-service portal for employees to view payslips and request annual leave.
Redeem your free licence / Book a demo
New Automatic Enrolment Pension System to be in place by 2021?
Brian Hayes MEP has called on Minister for Social Protection, Regina Doherty to start work on the introduction of an automatic enrolment pension system, whereby all Irish private sector employees would be automatically enrolled into a pension scheme.
Thesaurus Customer Survey: The Results are in!
In our recent survey, we were delighted to discover that Thesaurus has a 99.6% customer satisfaction rate. Customers are also highly satisfied with our customer support team, with a satisfaction rate of 99.5%.
Oct 2017
11
Budget 2018 - Employer Payroll Focus
Pay As You Earn (PAYE)
- There was no change to tax rates for 2018, the standard rate will remain at 20% and the higher rate at 40%.
- Standard Rate Cut Off Points (SRCOPs) will be increased by €750 from 1st January 2018.
Emergency Basis of PAYE
Employee provides PPS Number:
Where an employee does not provide their PPS Number the higher rate of 40% tax applies to all earnings.
Earned Income Tax Credit
The Earned Income Tax Credit will be increased by €200 from €950 to €1,150.
Home Carer Tax Credit
The Home Carer Tax Credit will be increased from €1,100 to €1,200.
Universal Social Charge (USC)
- Exemption threshold remains at €13,000
- 2.5% rate reduced to 2%, threshold for this rate increased from €18,772 to €19,372
- 5% rate reduced by 0.25% to 4.75%
- No change to 8% rate
Medical card holders and individuals aged 70 years and older whose aggregate income does not exceed €60,000 will pay a maximum rate of 2%.
The emergency rate of USC remains at 8%.
PRSI & USC
The Minister outlined his intention to establish a working group in 2018 to carry out a review of the possible integration of PRSI and USC.
National Training Levy
The National Training Levy of 0.7% which is currently collected as part of the employer PRSI contribution will increase to fund further and higher education, the increases are as follows:
- 0.8% in 2018
- 0.9% in 2019
- 1% in 2020
Pay Related Social Insurance (PRSI)
There were no changes to general PRSI thresholds or employee PRSI announced in the Budget. However, as the National Training Levy is increasing and it is collected as part of the employer PRSI contribution, employer PRSI will increase as follows:
- 8.5% increased to 8.6%
- 10.75% increased to 10.85%
Benefit in Kind (BIK) - Electric Cars
A 0% rate of BIK will apply to electric vehicles provided by an employer to an employee in 2018 which is available for private use. Electricity used by the employee in the workplace to charge the car will also be exempt from BIK.
PAYE Modernisation
PAYE Modernisation will be effective from 1st January 2019. Budget 2018 has allocated €50 million for a project to enhance Revenue's IT capacity and to ensure employer compliance.
National Minimum Wage
The National Minimum Wage will increase from €9.25 to €9.55 per hour in respect of hours worked on or after 1st January 2018.
- Workers under age 18 will be entitled to €6.69 per working hour
- Workers in their first year of employment over the age of 18 will be entitled to €7.64 per working hour
- Workers in their second year of employment over the age of 18 will be entitled to €8.60 per working hour
Social Welfare Payments
There will be a €5 increase in all weekly Social Welfare payments with effect from 26th March 2018. The maximum personal rate of Illness Benefit will be increased to €198 per week. Maternity Benefit and Paternity Benefit will be increased to €240 per week.
Oct 2017
10
Thesaurus Payroll Manager - Customer Survey - The Results are in!
Opinions and feedback from our customers matter to us. We love to hear comments and suggestions from users in order to improve the customer experience. Last month we conducted a customer survey to get an insight into what customers think about Thesaurus Payroll Manager and find out what new features our customers want.
The survey also looked at customer satisfaction rates, software performance and customer support. We were delighted to discover that Thesaurus Payroll Manager has a 99.6% customer satisfaction rate. Customers are also highly satisfied with our customer support team, with a satisfaction rate of 99.5%. Many customers agree that BrightPay saves them time (99.4%) and offers good value for money (99.6%).
Surprisingly, 43% of customers were not aware that Thesaurus Payroll Manager includes integration with One4all. This new feature was added last year and enables employers to seamlessly purchase One4all gift cards for employees.
The survey also looked at awareness of PAYE Modernisation. Nine out of ten accountants, bookkeepers and payroll bureaus said that they were aware of this new PAYE system, which will be effective from 1st January 2019. Meanwhile, one in five employers were unaware of this upcoming change. Thesaurus recently hosted a number of free PAYE Modernisation webinars, with a guest speaker from Revenue. The webinars incorporated everything you need to know about PAYE Modernisation. Watch the PAYE Modernisation training session on demand.
Customer Testimonials
We also received a number of customer testimonials from the survey - all of which will be added to the Thesaurus website in due course. Some of our favourite testimonials received include:
- "We have used Thesaurus for our payroll since 2001. Over the last 17 years our general accounting software has been changed 3 times but we have never found a better payroll system or had a reason for wanting to change..."
- "I found the support I was given by Thesaurus to be of the highest quality, with the empathy shown by Thesaurus employees to be extraordinary."
- "I have used Thesaurus Payroll in a number of companies and I found it much easier to use than any other payroll software I have encountered. It has always provided updates and changes required quickly without fuss. The newest addition, Thesaurus Connect has made life easy for me. Payslips automatically sent out to employees and the facility for them to view and print payslips as required has freed up a lot of management time for other duties."
- "The support staff are brilliant, they answer questions in everyday language and are committed to staying with you until you have a total understanding of the query."
- "Thesaurus Payroll Manager is the most cost effective change we have made to our business. From the standard paying wages to being able to email payslips, work out holiday entitlement and much more, this software package is worth its weight in gold. Saving us time and money. I wouldn't be without it."
Prize Winners
As a thank you for taking part in the survey, we are giving away four €50 One4all vouchers. We are delighted to announce that the winners are:
- John Ganly - Blanchardstown Amalgamated Sports Ltd
- Geraldine Grennan - PJ Grennan Ltd
- Elaine Donnelly - Irish Theatre Institute
- Eugene O'Donovan - SME Finance
The Thesaurus team will be in contact with the winners shortly.
We appreciate all the feedback received from this year’s survey and would like to say a massive thank you to everyone who took part.
Useful Links
Aug 2017
30
Customer Update - August
Revenue moves to PAYE Modernisation
In October 2016, the Minister for Finance announced that the current Pay As You Earn (PAYE) system would be revamped and modernised. This is known as PAYE Modernisation. This new system will enable Revenue to ensure that employees are receiving their correct tax credits and cut-off points throughout the year in real time. This compares with the current PAYE reporting which is done through P35s on a yearly basis.
Find out more / Register for webinar
Watch our video to see how you can benefit from Thesaurus Connect
Thesaurus Connect is a cloud add-on that works alongside Thesaurus Payroll Manager. Payroll information is stored in the cloud and can be accessed online by bureaus, employers and employees on any device. Thesaurus Connect offers additional innovative payroll and HR features that streamline annual leave management and payroll processing.
Free Webinar: What you NEED to know about PAYE Modernisation | Guest Speaker: Revenue
PAYE Modernisation is probably the biggest overhaul of the PAYE system since PAYE itself was introduced back in 1960. It will have wide ranging effects on all employers.
- Main Speaker: Paul Byrne (Managing Director at Thesaurus Software)
- Guest Speaker: Sinead Sweeney (PAYE Modernisation Change Manager, Revenue)
Register here: 3rd October (bureaus) / 4th October (bureaus) / 24th October (employers)
Webinar: Employee Dismissal - How Easy Is It?
80% of unfair dismissal cases are won by the employee, not because the reason for dismissal was unfair but because the employer did not follow fair procedures. In this webinar we discuss the dangers of dismissing an employee, what rights you have as an employer and the relevant steps you need to take to protect your business against an unfair dismissal claim.
GDPR: What Businesses need to know
Data protection and how personal data is managed is changing forever. On 25 May 2018 the new General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) will come into force. The GDPR is a European privacy regulation replacing all existing data protection regulations.
Apr 2017
19
April Customer Update
Sunday Working - what employers need to know
In today’s world, the reality is that many businesses are open on Sundays, requiring employees to work Sundays. Employers of these businesses need to be aware of the additional responsibilities that apply to Sunday working.
Review Thesaurus Software
We work hard to ensure we offer the best payroll software products and knowledgeable customer service that we can. We are currently building our online presence. As part of this, we are looking for our customers to review Thesaurus Software on google reviews. Would you be willing to take a few minutes to provide a review of Thesaurus Software?
Have you tried our latest cloud add-on?
Thesaurus Cloud is our newest optional add-on that offers powerful automatic backup features and annual leave management facilities. Give your client and their employees online access to their payroll data. Discounts are available for bureaus who wish to purchase multiple licences.
Free Webinar - Keeping your Business Compliant with Employment Legislation
Employment regulations in Ireland are constantly changing. Employers need to keep up if they are to remain compliant as getting it wrong can be extremely costly. Our free webinar will peel back the legislation, giving you the key facts you need to know and easy-to-follow tips on how to manage your employer obligations.
Have you tried our sister product, Bright Contracts?
Bright Contracts has everything you need to create and manage up-to-date staff policies and procedures and contracts of employment. Ideal for your own in-house use, or for offering additional services to your clients.
Auto Enrolment for Ireland? Do you offer a pension scheme?
On a number of occasions, Leo Varadkar, the Minister for Social Protection, has mentioned his desire to introduce auto enrolment in Ireland. This will be a welcome and necessary development as it is unlikely that the current levels of state pension will be sustainable in the medium to long term.
Bright Contracts – Employment Contracts and Handbooks.
BrightPay – Payroll & Software.
