What Is a P60 Form and How Do You Get One?

What is a P60?

A P60 is a document provided to employees that outlines earnings as well as the national insurance (NI) and taxes paid for a single year. 

If you have moved jobs during the tax year, you will also have a P45 form, which employers give you when employment ends.

You might receive your P60 form as an electronic or as a paper document.

What does a P60 look like?

A P60 form is usually an orange document that contains key information about your employment, income and tax.

What information is on a P60?

There are several key pieces of information on your P60. 

• Your Full Name.
• Your National Insurance (NI) number.
• An Employee number.
• Employer details including a name, address, and PAYE reference.
• Your total pay for the year.
• Your tax deductions, and National Insurance contributions.
• Any statutory payments, such as maternity or paternity pay.
• Any student loan deductions.

For both employers and workers, it’s really important that the information on these forms is accurate. If you spot an inaccuracy, you should raise the issue, so it can be corrected as soon as possible.

What is a P60 form used for?

Your P60 form can have a number of practical uses, so it’s important to keep your copy safe if you think you may need it. A P60 can also serve as official proof of your employment and income history, making it useful when your professional CV needs to be backed by verified documentation.

Financial Applications

Lenders and brokers may use your P60 to confirm your income for things like mortgages, loans, or rental agreements.

Tax Refunds

Your P60 will be essential if you are claiming back overpaid tax or applying for tax credits.

How do I get a P60?

In most cases, your P60 will be given to you by your employer annually. Sometimes you may have to access your income information in a different way. Here are your options:

Getting a P60 From Your Employer

Employers are responsible for issuing P60s. If you haven’t received it by the end of May, contact your HR or payroll department.

If your company has closed down or cannot provide you with a P60 you can request a summary directly from HMRC.

Getting a P60 Online

Some companies provide a digital P60 to workers through employee portals. If you’re unsure about how to access your P60 online, speak to your employer.

Getting a P60 From HMRC

If you’ve misplaced your P60, you can ask for a replacement summary from HMRC.

Do I get a P60 when I’m retired?

If you’re retired and receiving income through a private pension, you may receive a P60 from your pension provider summarising your payments and tax deductions for the year.

If you get a state pension you won’t receive a P60 as these pensions aren’t taxed at source.

What should I check on my P60?

When you receive your P60 it’s important to check over the details. Make sure that personal details, including your name, address and NI number are all correct.

Check that your earnings and deductions match those on your payslips. 

You should also confirm that the PAYE reference and employer details are accurate.

What should you do if your P60 looks incorrect?

If any information is incorrect, you should speak to your employer to amend any inaccurate details. Failing to do so could impact your tax code and mean you are over or underpaying tax.

If it remains unresolved after discussions with your employer, you can report the issue directly to HMRC.

How does a P60 calculate your tax?

Your P60 will outline your tax deducted at source under the Pay As You Earn (PAYE) system. 

Treat the form as a record of your earnings vs. taxes paid and keep hold of the document in case you need it for financial evidence or tax refunds.

I've lost my P60. What do I do now?

There are a number of things you can try if you do lose your P60.

1. Contact Your Employer: Employers aren’t legally required to reissue a P60 but will often provide a duplicate or replacement summary if asked.
2. Request from HMRC: HMRC can provide an income summary to confirm your earnings and tax paid.
3. Keep Records: Store digital or printed copies of future tax forms.

FAQs

Do I need a P60 if I am self-employed? 

No, self-employed individuals rely on self assessment tax returns, not P60 forms. The deadlines for self assessment are different so it’s important to fully understand this assessment process if you’re a freelancer or if you’re self-employed.

What's the difference between a P45 and a P60?

A P45 is issued when you leave a job, showing income and tax paid up to your leaving date.

A P60 summarises your annual earnings and deductions for the tax year.

How do I get P60 from my previous employer?

Employers are only obligated to provide P60s for the tax year in which you were employed. 

If you left the company before the end of the tax year, you would instead have received a P45, which serves a similar purpose but covers up to your leaving date.

Can I view my P60 online?

This will depend on your employer. Many employers now issue P60s through online portals that will show payslips and P60s. If you’re unsure about how to access your P60 online, it’s best to speak with your employers directly.

P60 responsibilities for employers

Employers must provide a P60 to all employees on their payroll at the end of the tax year (5 April). This includes full-time, part-time, and temporary employees.

P60s must be issued by 31 May following the end of the tax year.

Sources:

• https://www.gov.uk/paye-forms-p45-p60-p11d