Key Tax Documents
P60 (End of Year Certificate)
Your employer must give you a P60 at the end of every tax year (which ends on 5 April). It shows your total pay and how much tax you've paid in that year.
Why it matters: You need it to claim back overpaid tax, apply for tax credits, or prove your income for a mortgage.
P45 (Details of Employee Leaving Work)
You get this when you leave a job. It shows how much tax you've paid in the tax year so far.
Why it matters: You must give this to your new employer so they can put you on the correct tax code. Without it, you might be put on an emergency tax code.
P11D (Expenses and Benefits)
Your employer sends this to HMRC if you get "benefits in kind" like a company car, private health insurance, or interest-free loans.
Why it matters: These benefits are taxable. HMRC uses this form to adjust your tax code (often using a 'K' code) to collect the tax owed.
Your Payslip Explained
Your payslip shows your gross pay (before tax) and your net pay (what lands in your bank account).
Payments (Credits)
- Basic Salary
- Overtime / Bonus
- Commission
- Expenses reimbursements
Deductions (Debits)
- Income Tax (PAYE)
- National Insurance
- Pension contributions
- Student Loan repayments
Common Questions
What should I do if I lose my P60?
Your employer is legally obliged to keep records for three years, so you can ask them for a replacement (usually marked 'Duplicate'). You can also view the information in your online Personal Tax Account with HMRC.
Why didn't I get a P11D?
You only get a P11D if your employer provides you with taxable 'benefits in kind' (like a company car or health insurance) and they don't payroll these benefits. If your employer deducts the tax for these benefits directly through your payslip ('payrolling benefits'), you will get a P11D(b) or just a statement of benefits instead.
What if my P45 is missing when I start a new job?
If you don't have a P45, your new employer will ask you to fill out a 'Starter Checklist' (previously called a P46). This helps them determine your correct tax code so you aren't overtaxed on an emergency code.
Check Your Payslip Accuracy
Does your net pay match what you expected? Use our calculator to verify your deductions and spot any errors.
Verify your payslip with our UK Salary Calculator →