Side by side
e@syFile Employer vs HMRC Basic PAYE Tools
Both stand on payroll tax software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan Windows
e@syFile Employer covers employer declarations, reconciliations, employee registration, and related account tasks without a listed charge. Back up PAYE information before installing, and check backup compatibility before moving from e@syFile Flex.
Visit e@syFile Employer
Free plan LinuxMacWindows
HMRC Basic PAYE Tools covers payroll calculations, reporting and payslips for small employers. It does not handle pension tasks, and employers must manage their own payroll data security and backups.
Visit HMRC Basic PAYE ToolsThe facts
| e@syFile Employer | HMRC Basic PAYE Tools | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Windows | Linux, Mac, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | sars.gov.za | gov.uk |
| On payroll tax software | #6 of 31 | #2 of 31 |
e@syFile Employer: what it does well
- Free Windows software.
- Supports EMP201 and EMP501 completion, submission, and revision.
- Offline tax certificate imports and EMP501 data capture.
- Includes employee income tax registration.
- Supports tax filing, reconciliation, and year-end forms.
What to know first
- Requires Windows 10 (64 bit) at minimum.
- Needs 8 GB RAM and 2 GB disk space.
- Submitting to SARS requires an internet connection.
- Old e@syFile Flex backups cannot be restored in the new TC application.
HMRC Basic PAYE Tools: what it does well
- Free payroll software for employers with fewer than 10 employees.
- Keeps records for up to 9 employees.
- Submits Full Payment Submissions and Employer Payment Summaries.
- Creates payslips that can be saved as PDFs.
- Available for Linux, macOS and Windows.
What to know first
- Does not support pension auto-enrolment or contributions.
- Employers must secure and back up payroll data.
- Not suitable for agents or bookkeepers.
Alternatives to e@syFile Employer Alternatives to HMRC Basic PAYE Tools The whole list