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I don't need to pay the data protection fee - do I need to tell the ICO?

You do not need to tell us you are exempt

You do not need to take any further action, if you think you don't need to pay the data protection fee.

What's next 

Be sure you are exempt

It is important you pay your fee if you need to. If you are unsure about whether you have to pay, you can take our quick self-assessment.

Look after the data you hold

Even if you don't have to pay the fee, it's important your organisation adheres to the principles of the General Data Protection Regulations and understands best practice for managing information. To help ensure you are complying with the GDPR, we have produced a range of guidance and resources, including practical toolkits, training videos and more. 

If you are a sole trader or small business, check out the tools and resources on our data protection advice hub for small organisations where you will find top tips and simple guides on how to get data protection right.

Can I pay the fee even though I am exempt?

We do not expect you to pay if you are exempt, but some organisations choose to register and pay a fee despite being exempt so they can be listed on our register of data protection fee payers.