In general, a P60 is a document provided by employers in the United Kingdom to their employees at the end of each tax year (April 6th to April 5th). It summarizes the employee's total earnings and the amount of tax deducted throughout the tax year. It is usually required for various purposes, such as filing a tax return, claiming tax refunds, or providing proof of income. Employers are required by law to issue P'60s to their employees by 31 May following the end of the tax year. This allows employees enough time to check their earnings and tax contributions for accuracy before submitting their tax return.
Hers is the law.
The Income Tax Regulations 2003
Information to employees about payments and tax deducted (Form P60)
67.—(1) Before 1st June following the end of the tax year, an employer must give a certificate (Form P60) to every employee—
(a)who was in the employer’s employment on the last day of the tax year, and
(b)from whose relevant payments the employer was required to deduct tax at any time during that tax year.
(2) The certificate must show—
(a)the tax year to which it relates,
(b)the employer’s PAYE reference,
(c)the employee’s name,
(d)the employee’s national insurance number, if known,
(e)any number used by the employer to identify the employee,
(f)the total amount of the relevant payments made by the employer to the employee during the tax year in respect of the employment in question,
(g)the total net tax deducted in relation to those payments, subject to regulation 64(7)(b) (trade disputes),
(h)the employee’s code,
(i)the employer’s name, and
(j)the employer’s address.
(3) In the case of an employee taken into employment after the beginning of the tax year, the certificate must also show—
(a)any amounts required by regulation 43(9), 52(11), 53(3) or 61(3) to be treated as relevant payments made by the employer to the employee during the tax year,
(b)any amounts treated as tax deducted by the employer at the end of the tax year by any of those regulations,
(c)the sum of the figures given under sub-paragraph (a) of this paragraph and paragraph (2)(f),
(d)the sum of the figures given under sub-paragraph (b) of this paragraph and paragraph (2)(g).
In conclusion, the P'60 is an essential document that provides valuable information about an employee's earnings, tax contributions and benefits received during a tax year. It is important for employees to check their P'60 carefully and keep it safe as it serves as proof of their income and tax contributions. Employers have a responsibility to issue accurate P'60s to their employees and rectify any errors promptly. Understanding the significance of the P'60 can help employees manage their finances better and plan for their future. Employees should also keep their P'60s safe and secure as they may need them for up to seven years after they are issued. If there are any errors, they should inform their employer immediately to avoid any issues with HMRC.
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