HMRC Form P45 Download Printable Blank PDF Guide
Imagine this: It is your last day at work. HR hands you a piece of paper. You have no idea what it is. 2 weeks later at your new job, your first payslip shows you paid £600 too much tax. That paper was your P45.
In 2026, the HMRC form P45 download printable blank PDF is still the most important document for UK workers changing jobs. This guide covers what is P45 form used for, how to get an official P45 form, the difference between P45 and P60, and gives you the HMRC P45 printable blank template. Written in British English for UK taxpayers.
Official HMRC Toolkit 2026
- 📄 P45 Specimen: GOV.UK P45 for Employers
- 💼 PAYE Manual: HMRC PAYE Guide
- 📝 Starter Checklist: Starter Checklist C
- 🔍 Personal Tax Account: Check Tax Online
- 📞 HMRC: 0300 200 3300 – Mon-Fri 8am-6pm
Legal Note: Employees cannot self-issue a P45. This PDF is a specimen for education only.
Quick Summary Table
| Topic | Key Fact |
|---|---|
| What is P45 | Proof of tax and NI paid to date |
| Who Issues | Old employer only |
| When | Last day or within 14 days |
| Cost | Free |
| Parts | 4 parts: 1, 1A, 2, 3 |
Myth vs Fact
| Myth | Fact |
|---|---|
| I can print my own P45 | No. Only employers via HMRC software |
| P45 and P60 are same | P45=leaving. P60=year end |
| Contractors get P45 | No. Contractors get invoices |
HMRC Form P45 Download Printable Blank PDF What Is It Used For: 15 Real Uses
- Starting new employment to avoid emergency tax
- Proving income to Jobcentre Plus for Universal Credit
- Claiming tax rebate with form R40
- Mortgage and loan applications
- Visa and immigration proof
- Student finance applications
- Pension transfer evidence
- Council tax reduction
- Child benefit check
- Working tax credit
- Court evidence of income
- Insurance applications
- Self assessment backup
- Statutory sick pay calculation
- Redundancy payment calculation
The Law: 7 Rules Employers Must Follow
- Timing: Issue on last day or within 14 days of leaving
- Cost: Must be free. Cannot charge employee
- Method: Must come from HMRC approved payroll software using RTI
- Parts: Must provide Parts 1A, 2 and 3 to employee
- Accuracy: NI number, tax code, pay to date must match FPS submission
- Retention: Employer keeps Part 1 for 3 years
- Penalty: £100 per missing or late P45
Download: Specimen Template
This is the HMRC P45 printable blank template for reference only.
Official P45 Specimen
For reference only. Not valid for PAYE
How to Get One: 6 Scenarios
How to get an official P45 form depends on your situation:
- Resignation: Ask HR on last day. They print from payroll
- Redundancy: Should be in your redundancy pack
- Dismissal: Employer must post to last known address
- End of Contract: Issued automatically on final day
- Lost: Cannot be reissued. Use Starter Checklist C instead
- Employer Closed: Call HMRC 0300 200 3300. They use RTI data
P45 vs P60: The Ultimate Comparison
The difference between P45 and P60 is huge. Get it wrong and you overpay tax.
| Detail | P45 | P60 |
|---|---|---|
| When Issued | On leaving job | By 31 May after tax year |
| Period Covered | 6 April to leaving date | Full tax year 6 Apr to 5 Apr |
| Who Issues | Old employer | Current employer |
| Parts | 4 parts | 1 page |
| Main Use | New job, benefits | Mortgage, self assessment |
Anatomy of P45: Every Box Explained
- Box 1: Employer PAYE reference. E.g. 120/A1
- Box 2: Employer name and address
- Box 3: Your National Insurance number
- Box 4: Tax code. E.g. 1257L
- Box 5: Pay to date in current tax year
- Box 6: Tax to date in current tax year
- Box 7: Student loan indicator. SL1, SL2, SL4
- Box 8: Leaving date
Tax Codes List 2026
- 1257L: Standard personal allowance £12,570
- BR: Basic rate 20% from first £1
- D0: Higher rate 40%
- D1: Additional rate 45%
- 0T: Emergency code, no personal allowance
- K: You owe tax from previous year
- NT: No tax due
- W1/M1: Non-cumulative, resets each pay period
- SL1: Student loan plan 1 deduction
- SL2: Student loan plan 2 deduction
20 Mistakes That Cost UK Workers Money
- Not submitting P45 to new employer
- Losing Part 1A and cannot claim refund
- Accepting 0T code for 6 weeks
- Not checking NI number is correct
- Ignoring student loan box
- Using old P45 from 2 years ago
- Thinking contractors get P45
- Not calling HMRC after 14 days
- Confusing with P60
- Throwing it away
- Not keeping for 22 months
- Using for self employed
- Not updating address with employer
- Accepting wrong name spelling
- Missing leaver date
- Not checking pay to date figure
- Ignoring tax to date figure
- Not using Personal Tax Account
- Paying for “P45 checking service”
- Using fake P45 from internet
Case Studies 2026
Case 1: NHS Nurse in Leeds
Left 28 Feb. Got P45 1 March. New job 10 March. Gave Parts 2 and 3. Tax code 1257L. No emergency tax. Saved £400.
Case 2: Retail Worker in Glasgow
Lost P45. New employer used Starter Checklist. Put on 0T for 3 payslips. £400 overpaid. Got refund in July via Personal Tax Account.
Case 3: Tech Worker in London
Employer refused to issue. Called HMRC. Employer fined and issued P45 within 24 hours.
Tools and Forms Hub
| Form | Purpose | Link |
|---|---|---|
| P45 | Leaving job | Specimen |
| P60 | Year end | Info |
| Starter Checklist | No P45 | Download |
| R40 | Tax refund | Download |
Future of P45: Digital by 2027
HMRC is testing “Digital P45” where data transfers automatically via RTI. For 2026 paper P45 is still required by law.
FAQs
What is P45 form used for?
Proof of tax and NI to date. Used by new employer and DWP for benefits.
How to get an official P45 form?
Ask employer within 14 days. Free. Call HMRC if they refuse.
What is the difference between P45 and P60?
P45 = leaving. P60 = annual summary at year end.
Where is HMRC P45 printable blank template?
View specimen on GOV.UK. Only employers can issue valid P45.
Final 5 Step Action Plan
- Day 1: Ask for P45 on last day
- Day 2: Check NI number and tax code
- Day 3: Give Parts 2 and 3 to new employer
- Day 30: Check first payslip tax code
- Keep: File Part 1A for 22 months
Your P45 protects you from overpaying tax. In 2026 it is still essential. Use the links above and call HMRC if you have issues.
Conclusion
Your P45 is more than just a piece of paper. It is your proof of tax and National Insurance in the UK. Without it, you risk paying emergency tax, losing benefits, or missing out on a refund. In 2026, HMRC still relies on the P45 system to make sure you are taxed correctly when you move between jobs.
Always ask for your P45 on your last day, check that all 4 parts are correct, and give Parts 2 and 3 to your new employer immediately. If your employer refuses or delays, contact HMRC on 0300 200 3300. Keep Part 1A safe for at least 22 months in case you need to claim a rebate. By following this guide and using the official GOV.UK links above, you can make sure your job change is smooth and your tax is right. Remember, a few minutes spent on your P45 now can save you hundreds of pounds later.
