Why Look for a Basic PAYE Tools Alternative?
HMRC's Basic PAYE Tools continues through 2030 under a new contract, but it has significant limitations:
- No payslip generation — you need separate software
- No auto-enrolment pension support — The Pensions Regulator warns BPT users may assess incorrectly
- Limited to 9 employees
- Desktop-only (Windows/Mac/Linux)
IRIS Payroll Basics IS being discontinued after April 2026, affecting 40,000+ UK businesses who need an alternative.
ByteLogic offers payslips, auto-enrolment support, and a modern cloud interface — features Basic PAYE Tools lacks.
Basic PAYE Tools vs ByteLogic
⚠️ Basic PAYE Tools (Limitations)
- ❌ No payslip generation
- ❌ No auto-enrolment support
- ❌ Limited to 9 employees
- ❌ Desktop software only
- ❌ Dated interface
- ✅ Direct RTI submission
- ✅ Continues through 2030
🧪 ByteLogic Beta (Now)
- ✅ Free beta available now
- ✅ Modern, easy interface
- ✅ Cloud-based — access anywhere
- ✅ Works on any device
- ✅ Invoicing included
- ⏳ FPS XML export only (manual upload)
- ⏳ Direct RTI coming April 2026
What's Included in the Free Beta (Now)?
- Payroll calculations for unlimited employees
- PAYE and National Insurance calculations
- FPS XML export (for manual HMRC upload)
- Pension contribution calculations
- Basic invoicing with PDF and email
- Time tracking for contractors
- Cloud storage — access from anywhere
Coming April 2026 (Pro Plan):
- Direct RTI submission to HMRC (no manual upload)
- Payslip PDF generation
- P60 year-end forms
- Full bookkeeping
- VAT MTD submission
Getting Started with the Free Beta
Step 1: Sign up for free
Create your ByteLogic account — takes 2 minutes, no credit card required.
Step 2: Add your employees
Enter your employees' details including NI number, tax code, and salary.
Step 3: Run payroll calculations
Calculate pay and deductions. Download FPS XML and upload to HMRC manually.
Step 4: Wait for April 2026
When our Pro tier launches with direct RTI submission, you'll be ready to go!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ByteLogic really free?
The beta is free. Our Pro tier (£19/month, launching April 2026) will include direct RTI submission, payslips, auto-enrolment, and full accounting features — addressing the limitations of Basic PAYE Tools.
Can ByteLogic submit RTI directly to HMRC?
Not yet. Currently, ByteLogic generates FPS XML files that you can download and upload to HMRC Government Gateway manually. Direct RTI submission is coming in April 2026 when we complete HMRC vendor registration.
Why should I try the beta now?
You can use ByteLogic for payroll calculations, time tracking, and invoicing today. When direct RTI submission launches in April 2026, you'll already be familiar with the system and can seamlessly transition.
What if I need direct RTI submission now?
For now, you can use Basic PAYE Tools (continues through 2030) or another HMRC-recognized provider. ByteLogic's direct submission will be ready April 2026, with additional features BPT lacks: payslips, auto-enrolment, and cloud access.