What is P60?
An end-of-year certificate from your employer showing your total pay and tax deducted.
Key Facts
- ✓ Issued by employer after end of tax year (by 31 May)
- ✓ Shows total pay, income tax, and NI deducted
- ✓ Needed for tax returns, mortgage applications, refund claims
- ✓ One P60 per employer if you have multiple jobs
- ✓ Also available via HMRC Personal Tax Account
Explanation
A P60 is an official document your employer must give you at the end of each tax year (by 31 May) if you are still employed by them on 5 April. It summarises your total pay and the total income tax and National Insurance deducted during the tax year. Your P60 also shows your tax code and National Insurance number. You need your P60 for filing a Self Assessment tax return, applying for a mortgage or loan, claiming tax refunds, and proving your income. Your employer can provide it on paper or electronically. If you lose your P60, your employer can give you a replacement or you can find the same information on your HMRC Personal Tax Account. If you have multiple jobs, you will receive a P60 from each employer. The P60 only covers PAYE income — it does not include self-employment or other untaxed income.
Try the calculator: Use our free calculator to see how p60 affects your finances.
Salary Calculator →Other Glossary Terms
The system HMRC uses to collect income tax and National Insurance directly from employee wages.
National InsuranceA UK tax on earnings and self-employed profits that funds the state pension, NHS, and benefits.
Personal AllowanceThe amount of income you can earn each year before paying income tax — currently £12,570.
Basic Rate (20%)The 20% income tax rate applied to taxable income between £12,571 and £50,270.
Higher Rate (40%)The 40% income tax rate applied to taxable income between £50,271 and £125,140.
Additional Rate (45%)The 45% income tax rate applied to taxable income above £125,140.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does p60 mean?
An end-of-year certificate from your employer showing your total pay and tax deducted.
Why does p60 matter?
Understanding p60 helps you make informed financial decisions and ensure you pay the correct amount of tax. Getting it wrong could mean overpaying or underpaying HMRC, which may result in penalties or missed savings. Use our calculators to see how p60 applies to your personal situation.
Where can I find more information about p60?
HMRC publishes official guidance on GOV.UK for all UK tax topics. For a quick overview, our glossary entries are written in plain English and updated each tax year. You can also use our free online calculators to model different scenarios and understand how changes to your income, deductions, or allowances affect your overall tax position.