How to Get P60 Online? | Quickly and Easily

A P60 is an essential document for employees in the UK, summarising earnings and tax deductions for the financial year.

Whether for tax refunds, mortgage applications, or financial records, having access to this form is crucial.

With the shift towards digital payroll systems, many employees now prefer obtaining their P60 online rather than relying on paper copies.

However, navigating the process can sometimes be confusing. Understanding where to find it and what steps to take ensures a smooth and hassle-free experience.

What Is a P60 and Why Do You Need It?

A P60 is a crucial document issued by employers that summarises an employee’s total earnings and tax deductions for a specific tax year, which runs from 6 April to 5 April in the UK.

It serves as an official record of income and tax payments made under the Pay As You Earn (PAYE) system. Employees receive this document once a year, provided they are still working for the employer at the end of the tax year.

A P60 contains key financial details, including:

• Total taxable income received from employment during the tax year.
• Income tax paid through PAYE deductions.
• National Insurance contributions (NICs) made throughout the year.
• Student loan repayments deducted, if applicable.
• Employer information, including PAYE reference number.

The main purpose of a P60 is to provide a consolidated summary of tax payments, which employees may need for several financial and tax-related matters. Some of the most common reasons why a P60 is required include:

1. Claiming a tax refund – If an employee has overpaid tax during the year, the P60 acts as proof of income and deductions when requesting a rebate from HMRC.
2. Applying for tax credits and benefits – Government assistance schemes, such as Universal Credit or Child Tax Credit, may require income verification through a P60.
3. Loan and mortgage applications – Lenders often request P60s to confirm an applicant’s financial stability and ensure they meet income requirements.
4. National Insurance and pension tracking – The document helps employees verify their contributions and eligibility for state pension benefits.
5. Filing a self-assessment tax return – Individuals with multiple income sources, such as self-employed workers or those with rental income, may need their P60 to accurately report their earnings.

A P60 is essential for keeping track of tax payments and ensuring that financial records are up to date.

Since it serves as an official record, employees should keep copies of their P60 for at least four years, as HMRC or financial institutions may request it in the future.

Who Is Eligible to Receive a P60?

A P60 is issued to employees who were still employed on 5 April of the relevant tax year.

It is not given to individuals who left their job before the end of the tax year, as they would have received a P45 instead.

The employer is responsible for providing the P60 to all eligible employees, whether they work full-time or part-time.

Here’s a breakdown of who does and does not receive a P60:

Eligible for a P60

• Employees who were on the company’s payroll on 5 April of the tax year.
• Individuals who have been continuously employed throughout the tax year.
• Part-time and full-time employees, as long as they are under the PAYE system.
• Workers with multiple jobs (each employer will issue a separate P60 for each employment).

Not Eligible for a P60

• Employees who left their job before 5 April – They will have received a P45 when they left the company, which serves as a record of their earnings up to their departure date.
• Self-employed individuals – Since they do not have an employer deducting tax under PAYE, they do not receive a P60. Instead, they report their earnings through a Self-Assessment Tax Return.
• People receiving only pensions or benefits – Those who rely solely on pension payments or government benefits will not receive a P60 from an employer but may receive a P60U (for taxable benefits) or a P60(P) (for pensions).

Employer Responsibilities

Employers are legally required to provide a P60 to all eligible employees by 31 May after the tax year ends. They must ensure that employees receive the document either in:

• Paper format – A printed copy that can be stored physically.
• Electronic format – A digital version available through the company’s payroll system or HR portal.

If an employer fails to issue a P60, employees have the right to request it. If the employer still does not provide it, the employee may contact HMRC to report the issue and obtain the relevant tax records.

How Can You Get Your P60 Online?

Many employers now issue P60s digitally, making it easier for employees to access their tax records at any time.

Employer Payroll System

Most businesses provide an online payroll system where employees can log in and download their P60. Steps to check include:

• Visit the employer’s HR or payroll portal.
• Log in using employee credentials.
• Navigate to the tax documents section.
• Download or print the P60.

If unsure, employees should contact their payroll or HR department.

HMRC Personal Tax Account

Employees who cannot access their P60 through their employer can check their tax records online using HMRC’s Personal Tax Account. This service allows individuals to:

• View income tax history.
• Check tax paid for previous years.
• Print a tax summary (though it may not be an exact P60 copy).

To access HMRC’s online tax account:

1. Visit HMRC’s website.
2. Sign in using a Government Gateway ID (or create one if not already registered).
3. Navigate to the PAYE section to view tax records.

This option is useful when an employer is unable to provide a P60, but note that HMRC does not issue actual P60 copies.

When Should You Receive Your P60?

The deadline for employers to issue P60s to all eligible employees is 31 May following the end of the tax year.

This means that for the 2023-24 tax year, which ends on 5 April 2024, employees must receive their P60 no later than 31 May 2024.

Employers must distribute P60s in one of the following formats:

• Printed copy – A physical document handed directly to the employee.
• Digital version – Available via an online payroll system, HR portal, or sent through secure email.

It is important for employees to check with their employer if they have not received their P60 by the deadline.

What to Do If You Haven’t Received Your P60?

If an employee has not received their P60 by 31 May, they should take the following steps:

Check Employer’s Payroll System:

• Many companies issue P60s digitally.
• Employees should log in to their HR or payroll portal and check for tax documents.

Contact the HR or Payroll Department:

• Request confirmation of when and how the P60 will be issued.
• Ensure that payroll records contain the correct personal details (name, National Insurance number, etc.).

Verify with HMRC:

• If the employer fails to provide the P60, employees can check their Personal Tax Account on HMRC’s website to view their earnings and tax payments.
• HMRC does not issue P60s, but employees can request a tax summary, which contains similar information.

Common Reasons for Delays in Receiving a P60

Sometimes, employees may experience delays in receiving their P60. Common reasons include:

• Employer Processing Issues – Some businesses take longer to generate and distribute P60s, especially if they manage a large workforce.
• Payroll Errors – Incorrect employee details may result in a delay in issuing the document.
• Change of Employment Status – Employees who recently left or changed jobs may experience a delay due to administrative updates in the payroll system.
• Company Closure or Administration Issues – If an employer has ceased trading or is facing financial difficulties, employees may struggle to obtain their P60.

If an employer has gone out of business and is unable to provide a P60, employees should contact HMRC directly to access their tax records.

Why It’s Important to Check Your P60 Promptly

Once an employee receives their P60, they should carefully review the details to ensure accuracy. Key aspects to check include:

• Personal details – Name, address, and National Insurance number.
• Total taxable earnings – Ensure this matches payslips received throughout the year.
• Tax deductions – Verify that the amount of tax paid aligns with PAYE deductions.
• National Insurance contributions – Ensure correct contributions have been recorded.

If any errors are found, employees should report them to their employer immediately to get a corrected version. Mistakes on a P60 could lead to incorrect tax calculations and potential issues with tax refunds, loan applications, or benefits eligibility.

Receiving a P60 on time and keeping it in a secure location is essential for tax compliance and financial planning. If an employee loses their P60, they should request a duplicate from their employer or access their tax records via HMRC’s Personal Tax Account.

What Should You Do If You Don’t Have a P60?

If an employer fails to provide a P60 or the document is lost, employees have two main options to retrieve the necessary tax information:

Request a Duplicate from the Employer:

• Employers are required to keep payroll records for at least three years.
• Employees can request a copy of the original P60 from their payroll department.

Check HMRC’s Personal Tax Account:

• The online account provides a breakdown of income and tax payments.
• Employees can print a tax summary, which serves as proof of earnings in some cases.

In cases where an employer refuses to provide a P60, employees can report the issue to HMRC for further assistance.

How Can You Use a P60 for Tax and Financial Purposes?

A P60 is often required in various financial situations. Common uses include:

• Claiming a Tax Refund – If too much tax was deducted from wages, a P60 helps in applying for a rebate.
• Applying for Mortgages and Loans – Many lenders require a P60 as proof of stable income.
• Verifying National Insurance Contributions – Some benefit claims require evidence of tax payments.
• Completing Self-Assessment Tax Returns – A P60 helps individuals with additional income sources ensure accurate tax reporting.

Keeping digital or printed copies of past P60s is advisable, as financial institutions and HMRC may request them in the future.

What Is the Difference Between a P60 and a P45?

Both P60 and P45 are tax-related documents, but they serve different purposes.

If an individual leaves their job during the tax year, they will receive a P45 instead of a P60.

How Can Employers Issue P60s to Employees?

Employers must issue P60s to all eligible employees by 31 May after the end of the tax year. Businesses can distribute P60s in two ways:

• Electronic P60s – Many companies provide them through payroll software or HR platforms.
• Paper P60s – Some businesses still use printed documents.

Employers should ensure:

• P60s are issued accurately and on time.
• Employees are informed about how they can access their P60s.
• Records are retained for at least three years as required by HMRC.

Failure to provide a P60 can result in compliance issues with HMRC.

What Are Common Issues with Getting a P60 Online?

Employees may face difficulties in accessing their P60 online. Common issues include:

• Employer Not Providing Online Access – Some employers still issue only paper P60s.
• Payroll System Errors – Incorrect login details or outdated records may prevent access.
• HMRC Account Issues – Forgotten Government Gateway credentials or account setup problems can cause delays.

Solutions to these issues:

• Check with the employer’s payroll or HR team for guidance on accessing the P60.
• Reset HMRC online account credentials if unable to log in.
• Contact HMRC directly for tax record verification if all else fails.

Ensuring timely access to a P60 is crucial, as it is often required for financial and tax-related processes.

Conclusion

Getting a P60 online is now easier than ever, thanks to digital payroll systems and HMRC’s online services.

Employees should receive their P60 by 31 May, and if not, they can request it from their employer or access their tax records online.

Keeping a copy of your P60 is crucial for tax refunds, loan applications, and financial proof of income.

FAQs on Getting a P60 Online

What if my employer refuses to provide a P60?

Employers are legally required to provide a P60 to all employees who were employed on 5 April. If your employer does not issue one, you can report this to HMRC.

Can I request a duplicate P60 if I lose mine?

Yes, you can ask your employer for a replacement. Employers are required to keep payroll records for three years.

Can I use an online tax summary instead of a P60?

In most cases, HMRC’s tax summary can be used as proof of income, but some lenders or organisations may require an official P60.

How do I access my HMRC personal tax account?

Visit HMRC’s website and log in with your Government Gateway credentials.

Is a P60 the same as a tax return?

No, a P60 is a summary of tax paid through PAYE, while a tax return is used to report additional income for self-assessment.

Do self-employed individuals receive a P60?

No, self-employed individuals do not receive a P60. They must report income through self-assessment.

Can I get my P60 from HMRC directly?

HMRC does not issue P60s, but you can request a tax summary with similar information.