Why You Might Need a P60 (And When to Show It)

You might only think about your P60 once a year — but it’s one of the most important financial documents you’ll ever receive. Whether you’re applying for a mortgage, checking your tax, or claiming benefits, your P60 proves what you earned and what tax you’ve paid. Here’s when and why you’ll need it.

What Your P60 Proves

Your P60 summarises your total income and tax deductions for the full tax year (6 April to 5 April).
It’s official proof of:

• Your gross pay (before deductions)
• Tax and National Insurance paid
• Employer and PAYE details

It’s issued automatically by your employer by 31 May each year.

When You’ll Need Your P60

You may be asked to show your P60 when:

• Applying for a mortgage or loan – lenders use it to verify your income.
• Renting a property – landlords or letting agents may request proof of earnings.
• Claiming benefits – including Universal Credit or tax credits.
• Checking your tax code – to ensure you’ve paid the correct amount.
• Requesting a tax refund – HMRC may need your P60 to process it.
• Applying for a new job – some employers request it as part of onboarding.

How Long Should You Keep It?

Keep each P60 for at least 6 years.
If you ever need to prove past income — for tax, pensions, or legal purposes — it can save you hours of paperwork later.

💡 Pro tip: save a digital copy in secure cloud storage as soon as you receive it.

What If You’ve Lost It?

Don’t panic — you can:

• Ask your employer for a duplicate.
• Check if it’s available in your online payroll portal.
• Use your HMRC Personal Tax Account to access employment history.

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