It’s a question a lot of people only ask after they’ve thrown something away:
How long should you actually keep payslips and P60s?
Whether it’s for tax, benefits, or a surprise mortgage application, keeping the right records can save a lot of stress later. Here’s the simple answer — and the reasons behind it.
You should keep:
Digital copies are perfectly acceptable — and often easier to store and retrieve.
HMRC can ask questions about your income and tax records up to 6 years after the end of a tax year.
Keeping your payslips and P60s allows you to:
If you can’t provide evidence, sorting things out becomes much harder.
You may need older payslips or P60s when:
Some lenders ask for income history going back several years — especially if you’re self-employed or have variable income.
Together, they give a complete picture of your earnings.
Your final payslip of the tax year should always match your P60 — that’s why keeping both is useful.
Yes — digital copies are absolutely fine.
HMRC, banks, and lenders all accept electronic records, as long as they’re clear and unaltered.
Good practice:
P60_2024-25.pdf)Once records are over 6 years old, most people can safely dispose of them.
However, you may want to keep them longer if:
When disposing of paper copies, always shred them — they contain sensitive personal data.
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