Error: 'C6 The opt-out reference number is missing' when using the Pensions Data Exchange

When you attempt to send pension data using Pensions Data Exchange, you may see the error 'C6 The opt-out reference number is missing.'

Don't worry, this is easy to resolve. Let's take a look at the steps.

This error appears when an opt out reference number hasn't been entered while sending your pension data to your provider. To resolve this you need to enter an opt out reference as it's a mandatory field in opt out submissions.

Because the employee must agree the opt out with the pension provider before you process it, you don't need to enter the correct reference in Sage 50 Payroll. If you enter any number, the submission is successful.

1. Click Payroll then click Send Pension Data.
2. If your data is in the Errors tab, click I've corrected the errors.
   TIP: This moves your data back into the To Send tab.
3. Click the To send tab.
4. Under the opt out reference column, enter 12345.

You can now click Submit to send your pension data as normal.