workplace pension

[monty999]

Is anyone else in similar situation as myself and if so, how have you dealt with it.
I am self employed sole trader and 'employ' my wife to write up the books for which she is paid (all through rti hmrc) not enough to warrant me having to enrol her for a pension. However, the pensions regulator keep informing me to get ready for staging dates etc and there is no simple reply to say no pension is required. Any help from anyone in similar position greatly appreciated in getting pensions regulator of my case ! Thanks

[PurpleMoonlight]

The Pensions Regulator does not know who you employ or at was salary, just that a PAYE facility exists. They write to me notifying staging dates for pension schemes!

Also, even though your wife's income may not trigger you to auto enrol her she has the legal right to demand to be auto enrolled and you and her will then have to make contributions for her qualifying earnings.

[Grandad Gaz]

Make your wife a partner?

I did exactly that many years ago. (not with your wife, obviously!)

[Simpo Two]

Is she actually an employee or a supplier to your business? (ie she invoices you, you pay it)

[monty999]

Simpo Two said:

Is she actually an employee or a supplier to your business? (ie she invoices you, you pay it)

I'm registered as an employer and I pay her monthly through the books and use hmrc basics software. Hmrc must like making work for themselves as in this situation, of which there must surely be lots of people paying someone part-time below the amount required to give a pension without the employee requesting one, there seems to be no easy one touch method of saying " not required- thanks & no need to send any more time consuming literature". They would then have more time to deal with all those people who are more desperate for their attention.

[monty999]

Grandad Gaz said:

Make your wife a partner?

I did exactly that many years ago. (not with your wife, obviously!)

Someone else's wife then !!

[Jasandjules]

Can you not issue her B shares in the company and just pay dividends on them?

[monty999]

Jasandjules said:

Can you not issue her B shares in the company and just pay dividends on them?

I'm a sole trader not a ltd. company so would that option not be available ?