Understanding employment forms
Most employees will encounter several official forms during their working life. Knowing what each one is for helps you manage your tax position more effectively. These forms are issued at different stages of employment and serve distinct purposes.
Employment forms: the P45
A P45 is issued when you leave a job or lose employment. It shows how much tax you’ve paid during the current tax year, which runs from 6 April to 5 April. The form has four parts. Your employer sends Part 1 to HMRC, gives you Part 1A for your records, and you pass Parts 2 and 3 to your new employer or Jobcentre Plus. Employers must issue a P45 by law. If you don’t have one—such as when starting your first job—your new employer will use a starter checklist to determine your tax code.
Employment forms: the P11D
A P11D form lists ‘benefits in kind’ provided to employees or directors. These include items like company cars or private medical insurance. Employers submit the P11D annually to HMRC. The deadline for the 2025–26 form is 6 July 2026. If benefits are payrolled, a P11D is not required for those items. Employers can submit the form using commercial software or HMRC’s PAYE online service.
The importance of the P60
A P60 is issued after the end of each tax year. It shows how much tax you’ve paid on your salary. Employers can provide it electronically or on paper. You should keep your P60 safe, as it’s an important record. The deadline for employers to issue P60s for the 2025–26 tax year is 31 May 2026. All employees on the payroll on 5 April 2026 must receive one.
Staying informed
Understanding these employment forms helps you stay on top of your tax affairs. Keeping accurate records ensures fewer issues later.
