It happens to the best of us — you put your P60 in a “safe place” and months later it’s nowhere to be found. Don’t worry. If you’ve lost your P60, you can request a replacement and it’s usually easier than you think. This guide explains exactly how to get a new one, who to ask, and what to do if you need it quickly.
Why You Might Need a P60 Again
Your P60 isn’t just a year-end summary. You’ll often be asked to show it for:
- Loan or mortgage applications – proof of income and tax paid
- Rental agreements – landlords sometimes request income proof
- Tax refunds or corrections – HMRC may need the figures
- Benefit claims – such as Universal Credit
If it’s missing, you’ll want to replace it quickly.
Can You Get a Replacement P60 From HMRC?
No. HMRC doesn’t issue copies of P60s. Only your employer can provide one. If you’ve changed jobs since, you’ll need to contact the employer who issued the original form.
How to Request a Replacement P60
- Contact your employer’s payroll or HR department
- Ask for a “duplicate P60” for the relevant tax year.
- Employers must keep PAYE records for at least 3 years, so they should be able to reissue it.
- Check your online payroll system
- Many companies provide digital copies of P60s alongside payslips.
- Log in to your employer’s portal and see if a PDF version is available to download.
- If your employer no longer exists
- Things get trickier, but you can still prove income through payslips or by requesting an employment history from HMRC.
- For this, you’ll need to call HMRC or use your Personal Tax Account online.
How Long Does It Take?
- Digital P60s – often immediate.
- Paper reissues – typically within a week.
- If your request involves a closed business or older records, allow more time.
What If You Can’t Get a P60?
If a replacement isn’t possible, you can use:
- Payslips covering the full tax year
- P45 (if you left employment mid-year)
- HMRC employment history (available through your online account)
These may be accepted by lenders or other organisations as proof of income.
Pro Tips for Next Year
- Save a digital copy of your P60 as soon as you receive it.
- Keep records for at least 6 years in case HMRC asks for them.
- Consider storing files securely in cloud storage for easy access.
