What Is a P60 and Why Is It Important?
- Kyle Randall
- Jan 7
- 3 min read
Understanding Your P60
A P60 is a document many employees receive each year — but a lot of people aren’t sure what it’s for or whether they even need it.
Your P60 summarises your pay and tax for the tax year, and it’s an important document for tax checks, mortgage applications, and Self Assessment. In this guide, we explain what a P60 is, who gets one, what information it shows, and why you should keep it safe.
What Is a P60?
A P60 is an end-of-year certificate provided by your employer.
It shows:
Your total pay for the tax year
Income Tax paid
National Insurance contributions
Your employer’s details
It covers the tax year from 6 April to 5 April.
Who Gets a P60?
You’ll receive a P60 if you were:
Employed on 5 April
Paid through PAYE
If you left your job before 5 April, you won’t receive a P60 — you’ll get a P45 instead.
When Do You Receive a P60?
Employers must give employees their P60 by 31 May following the end of the tax year.
It may be:
Issued electronically
Provided as a paper document
If you haven’t received one by the deadline, you should ask your employer.
What Is a P60 Used For?
Your P60 is often needed to:
Check you’ve paid the correct tax
Complete a Self Assessment tax return
Apply for a mortgage or loan
Claim a tax refund
Prove income for benefits or visas
It’s one of the most important PAYE documents you’ll receive.
Do You Need a P60 for Self Assessment?
If you complete a Self Assessment tax return and are also employed, your P60 helps ensure your employment income and tax are reported accurately.
You can learn more about how this works on our Self Assessment services page.
What’s the Difference Between a P60 and a P45?
P60 – Summary of pay and tax for the full tax year (if employed on 5 April)
P45 – Issued when you leave a job, showing pay and tax up to your leaving date
Both documents are important and should be kept.
What If You Lose Your P60?
If you lose your P60:
Ask your employer for a replacement
Check your payroll portal (if digital)
Use payslips as supporting evidence if needed
HMRC does not issue replacement P60s — only employers can.
Common P60 Mistakes to Watch For
Incorrect pay or tax figures
Wrong National Insurance number
Missing employer details
Assuming you don’t need it if you’re PAYE
Errors should be corrected as soon as possible.
Official HMRC Guidance
You can find official guidance on P60s and PAYE documents on the HMRC website:https://www.gov.uk/paye-forms-p45-p60-p11d
How VIP Accounting Ltd Can Help
At VIP Accounting Ltd, we help individuals and business owners across Benfleet, Essex and the UK with:
Reviewing P60s and PAYE documents
Checking tax paid is correct
Completing Self Assessment returns
Identifying overpaid or underpaid tax
Ongoing tax advice and compliance
If you’re unsure whether your P60 is correct or how it affects your tax, speak to our team via our contact page. https://www.vipaccounting.co.uk/contact-us
FAQs
Do I need to keep my P60?
Yes — you should keep it for at least 22 months after the end of the tax year (or longer if you file Self Assessment).
Do self-employed people get a P60?
No — P60s only apply to PAYE employment.
Can I use a P60 instead of payslips?
Yes — it summarises the full year’s pay and tax.
What if the figures on my P60 are wrong?
Contact your employer immediately to correct it.
Who Wrote This Article
Kyle Randall, Founder of VIP Accounting Ltd, provides clear, practical guidance to help individuals and business owners understand UK tax documents and stay compliant with HMRC.
VIP Accounting Ltd is a strategic accounting and tax advisory firm based in Benfleet, Essex, supporting individuals and businesses across the UK with PAYE, Self Assessment, tax planning, and HMRC compliance.
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