Our guide to understanding P60s

What is a P60? 

A P60 is an end of year certificate produced by an employer or pension provider. 

It confirms the following information for the tax year (6th April to the following 5th April):  

• Pay for the year 
• Income tax deducted in the year 
• Employee National Insurance Contributions (NICs) due in the year 

Please note that the pay figure is taxable pay and may differ to gross salary. Taxable pay is typically gross salary (including commission, overtime and bonuses) less any salary sacrifices and employee pension contributions. 

A P60 does not show gross salary or net pay. 

An employer, or pension provider, will issue a P60 after the end of the tax year (5th April). Current employees should receive it by 31st May. 

Why are P60s important?  

A P60 is proof of earnings and income tax paid. You may need it to prove your pay, tax paid and tax status to a third party. 

For example, you may require it for: 

• Completing a self-assessment tax return 
• Reclaiming an overpayment of income tax 
• Proof or earnings when applying for credit i.e., loan/mortgage 
• Applying for welfare benefits such as universal credit 

If you do not get a P60 from your employer or pension provider, or you have lost it: 

• You can ask your employer/pension provider to re-issue one or provide you with a statement of earnings 
• Your mortgage provider or lender may be able to accept three months’ payslips instead 
• You can use your personal tax account to view and print the information for the latest and previous P60s 
• You can also contact HMRC by telephone and ask them for more information 

You should retain a P60 for at least four years. 

What personal details are included in P60?  

A P60 will include: 

• Pay for the year 
• Tax deducted in the year 
• Employee NICs made in the year 
• Statutory payments included in the pay from this employment such as: 
  • Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) 
  • Statutory Paternity Pay 
  • Statutory Shared Parental Pay 
  • Statutory Adoption Pay 
  • Statutory Parental Bereavement Pay
  • Statutory Neonatal Care Pay 
• Student loan and postgraduate loan deductions 
• Tax code at the end of the tax year 
• Employee name 
• National Insurance number 
• Employers PAYE reference 
• Employers name and address 

A P60 does not confirm gross pay, net pay, or any pension contributions paid.

HMRC creates the P60 form which all employers and pension providers must use, so they will all have the same style and format regardless of the employer.  

How to update an employee's P60 information  

Where a P60 includes incorrect information, an employer can issue a replacement. The employer must clearly mark this as a replacement. The employer can also issue employees with a letter confirming the changes to the P60 in writing. 

Where an employee has paid too much tax, the employee must contact HMRC. There is a service online to assist the employee with claiming a tax rebate.  

Each year HMRC calculates tax for individuals. HMRC will issue a letter known as a P800 if the amount of tax an individual has paid is incorrect. This letter will confirm the tax rebate and how to organise repayment. They are sent between June and March following the end of the tax year in question.  

Arrange a free consultation 

Here at TaxAssist Accountants we can help employers with payroll and support employers with their tax reporting obligations. We can also help employed individuals with personal tax affairs. Give us a call on 0131 322 3988 or contact us using the online enquiry form. 

Last updated: 13th February 2026