---
title: "Creating a PAYE scheme"
slug: "how-do-i-create-a-paye-scheme-and-assign-a-payroll-to-it"
description: "Add a PAYE scheme to an employer, entering the HMRC Accounts Office Reference and employer PAYE reference."
updated: 2026-07-29T15:04:26Z
published: 2026-07-29T15:04:26Z
canonical: "help.cintra.co.uk/how-do-i-create-a-paye-scheme-and-assign-a-payroll-to-it"
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.cintra.co.uk/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Creating a PAYE scheme

Once you have created an employer, you are ready to add a PAYE scheme.

## To create a PAYE scheme

1. Within **Cintra iQ**, go to Payroll > Payroll Setup > Employer Setup.
2. Select an employer, then click **Open**.
3. Click the **PAYE & Payrolls** tab.
4. Within the **PAYE Schemes** section, any existing schemes will be displayed (double-click to edit). To create a new scheme, right-click and select **New**.
5. Within the **New PAYE scheme** window, you must enter the following information:
  - **PAYE Scheme is for test purposes only**: Tick this box if you do NOT want to send this scheme's details to HMRC.
  - **HMRC Accounts Office Reference**: Enter the 13 character reference number. The 4th character should be either P or X.
  - **HMRC Office Area Number**: This field is filled in automatically, based on the reference number above.
  - **HMRC Office Name**: Enter the name, if known.
  - **Employer PAYE reference**: The first section is populated with the HMRC Office Area Number. Enter the remaining characters into the second section.
  - **HMRC Bank Account**: Select the appropriate HMRC office or Cheque/Other.
  - For more information, see [What are employer details?](/iq/docs/what-are-employer-details)
6. Click **OK** to save.

Once you have created a PAYE scheme, see [Creating and assigning a payroll to a PAYE scheme](/iq/docs/creating-and-assigning-a-payroll-to-a-paye-scheme) to attach a payroll to it.