How to Prove Your Income Without a P60
If you don’t have a P60 — because you’ve lost it, changed jobs, or never received one — you might think you’re stuck when a lender, landlord, or government body asks for proof of income. In most cases you’re not. Here’s every option available to you.
Why you might not have a P60
- You left your job before 5 April — so you received a P45 instead
- You’ve lost the original and your employer can’t or won’t reissue it
- You’re self-employed — P60s are only issued to PAYE employees
- You’ve recently started a new job and your first P60 hasn’t been issued yet
Alternative ways to prove your income
1. Recent payslips
The most widely accepted alternative to a P60. Most lenders ask for the last 3–6 months of payslips to verify your current salary. Landlords and letting agents will usually accept 2–3 months. Payslips prove your current income — something a P60 from last year can’t do.
2. HMRC Personal Tax Account — statement of earnings
Sign in at gov.uk/personal-tax-account to access your employment history and tax records. You can download a statement of earnings for any tax year going back typically 5 years. This shows the same gross pay and tax figures as a P60 and is accepted by most lenders, landlords, and the Home Office as an alternative.
3. P45
If you left a job during the tax year, your P45 shows your earnings and tax from 6 April to your leaving date. It’s not a full year summary, but some organisations will accept it alongside payslips from your new job as interim proof of income.
4. Bank statements
3–6 months of bank statements showing regular salary payments are widely accepted — particularly by landlords and some lenders. They confirm income consistency even if they don’t itemise deductions.
5. Employment contract or offer letter
Useful for new starters who don’t yet have payslips. An employment contract or signed offer letter on company headed paper confirms your salary and employment status. Often used alongside bank statements.
6. SA302 from HMRC (self-employed)
If you’re self-employed or have additional income outside PAYE, HMRC’s SA302 — your tax calculation summary from a self-assessment return — is the standard proof of income accepted by mortgage lenders in place of a P60.
What mortgage lenders typically accept
| Document | Accepted as income proof? |
|---|---|
| P60 | Yes — preferred for annual income verification |
| Recent payslips (3–6 months) | Yes — confirms current salary |
| HMRC statement of earnings | Usually accepted — same data as P60 |
| Bank statements | Often accepted as supporting evidence |
| SA302 (self-employed) | Yes — standard for self-employed applicants |
| Employment contract | Supplementary — rarely accepted alone |
What if you need the actual P60 format?
Some organisations specifically require a P60 document — not just earnings data. In that case, once you have your figures from HMRC, OS Payroll can produce a professional replacement P60 on genuine HMRC-approved payroll stationery. Free sample before you pay.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use payslips instead of a P60 for a mortgage?
Yes — most mortgage lenders accept 3–6 months of recent payslips alongside a P60. Some lenders will accept payslips alone if no P60 is available, particularly for new starters. Check with your lender what they specifically require.
Can I get proof of income from HMRC without a P60?
Yes — sign in to your Personal Tax Account at gov.uk to download a statement of earnings showing your gross pay and tax for any recent tax year. This is widely accepted as an alternative to a P60.
What if I’m self-employed and have no P60?
Self-employed people never receive P60s — your income is reported via self-assessment instead. Your SA302 (tax calculation) from HMRC is the standard document lenders use for self-employed income verification.
Can a landlord ask for a P60?
Yes, but most landlords and letting agents will accept recent payslips, bank statements, or an HMRC earnings statement as an alternative. If a P60 is specifically required, a replacement document from OS Payroll is an option.
What if I changed jobs recently and have no P60 from my new employer yet?
Your new employer issues a P60 at the end of the tax year (by 31 May). In the meantime, use your recent payslips and employment contract as proof of income. HMRC can provide a statement of earnings from your previous employment via your Personal Tax Account.
This post is for general information only and does not constitute financial or tax advice. For queries about your specific situation, contact HMRC or a qualified tax adviser.