If you are an NRI working in the UK, one document you should never overlook is the P60 form. Issued by your employer after the UK tax year ends (April 6 to April 5), usually in April or May, it provides an official record of your total income and tax deductions for the year. While UK residents mainly use it for domestic tax and loan purposes, NRIs often need it for cross-border tax compliance, visa applications, and proving overseas income in India or other home countries.
This guide will help you understand the P60 form in clear terms: what it contains, why it is important for NRIs, how to obtain it, and how to use it when managing finances both in the UK and abroad. Whether you have just started working in the UK or have been employed there for several years, knowing how to handle your P60 will make your financial planning smoother and your tax filing more accurate across jurisdictions.
What is a P60 Form?
A P60 is your official year-end tax certificate in the UK. Issued by your employer after the tax year ends (April 6th to April 5th), it provides a complete record of your total earnings and the tax already deducted under the PAYE system. For NRIs, this document is especially important because it acts as formal proof of UK income and tax paid often needed when filing taxes abroad or applying for financial products.
What Does a P60 Show?
Your P60 summarises all pay and deductions processed through payroll in that tax year, including: total taxable pay, income tax paid, National Insurance contributions, any student or postgraduate loan deductions, statutory payments (like maternity or sick pay), and your final tax code. While a payslip reflects just one pay cycle, the P60 gives a comprehensive annual summary something NRIs can use to claim Double Taxation relief, prove earnings for loans or visas, and keep their cross-border tax records in order.
When and How to Get Your P60 in the UK
A P60 is an official document that shows your total pay and tax for the UK tax year (6 April–5 April). Employers must provide it by 31 May following the end of each tax year. You’ll only get a P60 if you were still employed with that employer on the last day of the tax year (5 April). If you left earlier, you should have already received a P45 instead. If you had more than one job on 5 April, each employer must issue you a separate P60.Your P60 may be given as either a paper copy or an electronic version (via employee portals or email). If you can’t access the one from your employer, you cannot generate it yourself, but you can:
- Check your HMRC Personal Tax Account or the HMRC app for the same pay and tax information
- Request a duplicate or payroll confirmation directly from your employer
What To Do If You Lose Your P60 Form or Don’t Receive It
If you don’t receive your P60 or misplace it, there are simple steps you can take to get hold of your year‑end pay and tax details.
- Contact your employer first – They can issue a duplicate copy, which will be marked as a "duplicate P60."
- Know your rights – Employers must legally keep PAYE records for at least 3 years, so a replacement can normally be provided.
- Escalate if necessary – If you were employed on 5 April and your employer hasn’t given you a P60, raise it formally with HR or payroll in writing.
- Use digital alternatives – Log in to your HMRC Personal Tax Account or the HMRC app to view your official pay and tax summary.
- Validity of digital records – Information from HMRC’s online services is accepted for most financial and tax purposes, making it a reliable substitute if the paper form is unavailable.
Why the P60 Matters for NRIs
- Cross-Border Tax Compliance – Acts as official proof of UK earnings and PAYE tax paid, essential when filing returns in India and to claim Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) relief.
- Self Assessment & Refunds – Provides accurate figures for UK self-assessment returns (if you have multiple income sources) and helps in claiming any UK tax refunds.
- Financial Proof – Commonly requested by UK banks, mortgage lenders, landlords, and sometimes even Indian banks when repatriating funds or applying for loans.
- Immigration & Residency Records – Required for certain UK visas, settlement, and naturalisation applications as proof of consistent earnings; also useful for tracking residency/tax status if moving between the UK and India.
- Secure Income Documentation – A reliable year-by-year snapshot of UK income history, helpful in audits, compliance checks, or when reconciling income across multiple tax jurisdictions.
Conclusion
The P60 form is not just routine payroll paperwork it is a crucial document for tracking your employment income and PAYE deductions in the UK. For NRIs, it can also be used when reconciling cross-border tax obligations and proving income abroad.
Always store your P60 securely, keep copies for at least four years, and contact your employer promptly if errors appear. If you lose it, you can retrieve the same information digitally via HMRC.
By understanding and safeguarding your P60, you ensure better financial planning, compliance, and tax documentation for both the UK and your home country.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is a P60 form and why is it important for NRIs?
A P60 is your official end-of-year statement showing total UK income and tax deducted under PAYE. For NRIs, it’s crucial for proving UK income abroad, claiming DTAA relief in India, and maintaining proper tax compliance across two jurisdictions.
Q2. When and how will I receive my P60 in the UK?
If you’re employed on April 5th (last day of the tax year), your employer must issue your P60 by May 31st. It will be provided either electronically (via HR portal) or in paper form. If you hold more than one job at the year-end, you’ll get a separate P60 from each employer.
Q3. What information does a P60 contain?
It includes your name, NI number, taxable pay, PAYE tax deducted, NI contributions, student loan deductions (if applicable), statutory payments, and final tax code. For NRIs, these details are especially important when declaring UK income in India or applying for financial products.
Q4. How long should NRIs keep their P60s?
HMRC requires at least 22 months of retention, but NRIs should keep them for a minimum of 4 years. This helps when dealing with Indian income tax filings, cross-border audits, or if immigration/visa authorities request older financial records.
Q5. What if I lose my P60 or never receive it?
First, contact your employer for a duplicate copy (they must keep records for 3 years). If unavailable, log into your HMRC personal tax account or the HMRC app, where you can access the same income and tax information. These digital records are accepted by tax authorities and lenders alike.
