Do You Get a P60 on Maternity Leave?

If you’re on maternity leave and the end of the tax year rolls around, you might wonder whether you’ll still get a P60. The good news? In most cases, yes — you’re still entitled to one. Here’s exactly how it works.

Do You Get a P60 While on Maternity Leave?

Yes.
If you’re employed on 5 April, even while on Statutory Maternity Leave (SML) or Shared Parental Leave, your employer must issue you a P60 by 31 May.

It doesn’t matter:

• Whether you’re on full pay
• Half pay
• Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP)
• Unpaid maternity leave

As long as you remain an employee on the final day of the tax year, you get a P60.

What Your P60 Will Show During Maternity Leave

Your P60 will include:

• Your total taxable earnings for the year
• Income Tax paid
• National Insurance paid
• Your employer’s PAYE details

This includes any:

• Normal earnings before maternity leave
• Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP)
• Taxable company maternity pay (if your employer offers enhanced pay)

👉 Note: SMP is taxable, so it appears on your P60.
Unpaid maternity leave does not appear — because there’s no tax or pay.

When You Won’t Get a P60

You won’t get a P60 if:

• You left your job before 5 April
• Your contract ended during maternity leave
• You moved employer mid-year

In these cases, you’ll receive a P45 instead, showing your earnings up to your leaving date.

What If You Don’t Receive Your P60?

If it’s past 31 May and your P60 hasn’t arrived:

1. Contact your employer’s payroll or HR team.
2. Ask for a duplicate P60 — they must provide one.
3. If needed, you can check your HMRC Personal Tax Account for your income details.

Even if you’re not working any hours during maternity leave, you’re still on payroll — so you’re entitled to accurate tax documents.

Why Your P60 Matters During Maternity Leave

You may need it for:

• Mortgage applications
• Tax refunds
• Benefit claims
• Correcting tax codes
• Proving income for loan/credit checks

It’s an important document worth keeping safe for at least six years.

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