P45, P60, P11D - What are they and why might I need one?

Know your P60 from your P45? We explain the common PAYE (Pay As Your Earn) forms, what they are for, and how you get them.

P45 forms

What is a P45?

A P45 shows you how much tax you have paid on your salary so far in the tax year. It is given to you by your employer when you stop working for them - so it summarises your income and tax paid up to your leaving date with that employer.

Why do I need a P45?

A P45 ensures you are given the correct tax code and pay the right amount of tax when you start your new job. If you are no longer working it can also be used to claim Job Seekers Allowance.

A P45 is made up of 4 different parts (Part 1, Part 1A, Part 2 and Part 3), and here's what you do with them:

• Part 1 - Your employer you have just left will give this part to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). HMRC then update your tax account with the information on it
  

• Part 1A - This part is for your own reference and you should keep this safe
  

• Parts 2 & 3 - you should give both of these parts to your new employer so they can work out how much tax you should pay. If you are no longer working you should give these to your Jobcentre Plus
  

How do I get a P45?

By law your employer must give you a P45 when you stop working for them. If they have not, contact them and request it. If for any reason they refuse, you can contact HMRC for help.

You won’t have a P45 if you’re starting your first job or you’re taking on a second job. In this instance your employer may ask you to complete a 'Starter Checklist' which contains questions about any other jobs, benefits or student loans you have, to work out how much tax you should be paying on your salary. This helps your employer work out your correct tax code before your first payday.

P60 forms

What is a P60?

A P60 shows how much you have earned and how much tax you have paid in that tax year - which runs from 6th April to 5th April. It also includes any statutory payments you have been paid, national insurance contributions and student loan deductions.

Why do I need a P60?

Aside from being a handy summary of your pay and deductions in that tax year, a P60 may also be required for a number of reasons, including:

• reclaiming overpaid tax or national insurance contributions
  

• applying for tax credits
  

• as proof of your income if you apply for a loan or a mortgage
  

• Completing a self-assessment tax return (e.g. if you earn money through self-employment)
  

How do I get a P60?

Your employer must give you one of these forms if you are still working for them at the end of the tax year (5th April). You should get this by 31st May that year, and it can be on paper or electronically. You will receive a P60 for each separate job you have.

Lost your P60? Ask your current employer for another copy.

P11D forms

What is a P11D?

The P11D form is used to report any 'benefits in kind' that your employer is giving to you, that aren't being reflected on your payslip. These are items or services in addition to your salary, such as private healthcare, interest-free loans or company cars.

Why do I need a P11D?

Taxable benefits or expenses you've received can be offset against your PAYE tax code. This means you might pay more tax out of your pay each period based on the details in your P11D form. That's why it is important to review the details on your P11D to ensure they are accurate and if you notice an error you should inform your employer.

How do I get a P11D?

If your employer uses a P11D you should receive this by 6th July, and it also can be on paper or electronically.

Lost your P11D? You can usually get another copy from your employer. If they can’t give you one, you can contact HMRC for a copy.