Bulk update student loans

If you haven't set up automatic HMRC updates, and need to update multiple student loans, you can import them using a csv, tsv or txt file. You will need to follow the steps below:

1. Navigate to Employees from the left sidebar
2. Select the Import/Export button next to Add employee
3. The following options will appear:
   
   
   
4. Select Import student loans, you will see a screen similar to the below:
   
   
   

You can upload your pre-populated file or you can manually enter the data in the columns shown in the screenshot above.

Uploading data from a file

If you choose to upload the data from a pre-populated file, you will need to follow the steps below:

1. Select Upload data from file
2. Select the file you wish to upload
3. Once uploaded, you'll be guided through several steps to validate that your columns and data align with the Pento columns. You'll have 3 options:
   
   • Select Yes if your file contains headers and are on the row the arrow points to on the left hand side
   • Choose Select another row if your file contains headers but it is a different row to the row indicated with the arrow
   • Select No header row if your file does not contain headers
4. Once confirmed, Pento will automatically try to match the column headings
   
   
   
5. If you have any columns that Pento is unable to match automatically, you will see a Lookup matching fields dropdown where you can match the correct columns
6. Once you have confirmed the mapping for each column, select Review
   
   
   
7. Once you have reviewed the data, select Continue
   
8. You will be asked if you are ready to submit, select Yes
   

You can watch an example video of importing student loan updates here.

For guidance on setting up automatic HMRC updates, please refer to our help article How to set up automatic HMRC updates

Frequently asked questions

What columns do I need if I am uploading a pre-populated file?

You can find the headings you need in the manual data section of the import page. If you choose to use your own headings, Pento will automatically try to match your headings to the data so it is advisable to use similar or easily identifiable headings.

What format should I use for dates/units/currency etc?

For columns that require specific formatting, you can refer to the manual data section; if you hover on the information icon (i) in the column headings, you will see a list of accepted values.