Employers are being urged to verify their staff members’ employment and salary in order for them to be eligible to receive the Government payroll tax relief.

The deadline for existing applications has been extended to January 31 but does not allow for new applications.

David Burt, the Premier, said: “Over 400 payroll tax relief applicants have pending applications because employers have not verified their employment and salary.

“Additionally, over 150 applicants need to submit further information to receive their payment. To assist employers and applicants, the deadline has been extended for the receipt of additional information to January 31, 2023.

“The Government reduced the administrative burden on employers to ensure that the process was as smooth as possible. However, once submitted, the employer has a critical role in confirming their employees’ information.”

The relief on payroll tax is available to employees earning less than $96,000, who submitted applications by December 15, 2022. Applicants must submit any outstanding information by January 31, as per the Public Treasury (Administration and Payments) (Salary Based Benefit) Regulations 2022.

Employers who have been contacted must confirm their employee or former employee’s status by January 31. Employers must confirm an applicant worked for them during the period and that their salary makes them eligible for the benefit.

Premier Burt added: “We have contacted employers and will be following up with affected employees. The Government has extended the deadline so employers and applicants can finalise existing applications. As a matter of urgency, employers, please follow up to avoid any further delays in your employees receiving their benefit.”

For enquiries about the salary-based benefit, e-mail economicrelief@gov.bm