Do I Need a P45 to Start a New Job?
Starting a new job often comes with a long list of things to organise, from signing your employment contract to providing your bank details and National Insurance number. One question many employees have is: do I need a P45 to start a new job?
The short answer is no, you can start a new job without a P45.
However, if you have a P45 from your previous employer, you should normally give it to your new employer. Your new employer uses the information to help set up your payroll and work out the correct tax code.
If you do not have a P45, you can complete a starter checklist instead.
What Is a P45?
A P45 is a document your employer gives you when you leave a job. It contains important payroll information, including:
- Your leaving date
- Your total pay for the tax year up to the date you left
- The amount of tax deducted
- Your tax code
- Your National Insurance number and other personal details
Your new employer can use this information when setting up your employment and calculating the tax to deduct from your pay.
Do You Need a P45 to Start a New Job?
No. A P45 is not required to physically start a new job.
If you have received a P45 from your previous employer, give it to your new employer. If you do not have one, you can complete HMRC’s starter checklist.
The starter checklist gives your new employer the information they need to add you to their payroll and determine the appropriate tax treatment.
This means you generally do not need to delay starting your new job simply because your P45 has not arrived.
What Happens If You Don’t Have a P45?
If you do not have a P45, your new employer can ask you to complete a starter checklist.
This can happen if:
- You have just started your first job.
- You have left your previous employer but have not received your P45.
- You are starting another job.
- Your personal circumstances have changed.
- You have lost your P45.
The starter checklist allows your employer to collect information needed for payroll and tax purposes.
Can You Start Work Without Completing It?
You should provide the information your new employer needs as soon as possible.
Your employer needs your employment and personal details to correctly set you up in their payroll system. If the necessary information is not available, your tax may not initially be calculated in the way you expect.
What If Your Previous Employer Has Not Given You a P45?
If you have left your previous job and your employer has not given you a P45, you should ask your previous employer for it.
However, you do not have to wait indefinitely before starting your new job.
If you do not have the P45, you can use the starter checklist instead.
A missing P45 can sometimes result in your tax being calculated incorrectly at first, so it is important to check your first payslip and tax code.
What If You Lost Your P45?
If your previous employer gave you a P45 but you have lost it, HMRC says you cannot get a replacement P45.
Instead, you can complete the starter checklist with your new employer.
You can also view certain pay and tax information through your Personal Tax Account or the HMRC app.
What Information Do You Need to Start a New Job?
Your employer will normally need various details when you start employment.
These can include:
- National Insurance number
- Bank details
- Proof of identity
- P45, if you have one
- Information about student loan repayments, if applicable
- Information about benefits or other employment circumstances where relevant
Your employer may also need information for right-to-work checks and other pre-employment requirements.
P45 vs Starter Checklist
Both a P45 and starter checklist can help your employer collect information needed for payroll, but they are used in different circumstances.
| P45 | Starter Checklist |
|---|---|
| Usually provided when you leave a job | Completed when starting a job without a P45 |
| Comes from your previous employer | Completed by you for your new employer |
| Contains previous employment pay and tax information | Provides information about your employment circumstances |
| Given to your new employer | Given to your new employer |
| Helps with setting up your tax information | Helps your employer determine the appropriate tax treatment |
Does a New Employer Need Your P45 Before Your First Day?
Not necessarily.
Your new employer may ask for your P45 as part of their onboarding process, but not having one does not automatically mean you cannot start the job.
If you do not have a P45, tell your employer and complete the starter checklist when requested.
This is particularly useful when there is a short gap between leaving your old job and starting your new one.
Will You Pay More Tax Without a P45?
Not necessarily, but your tax may initially be calculated differently if your employer does not have the information from your previous employment.
HMRC explains that if the required income information is not received in time, you may be placed on a temporary emergency tax code.
If this happens, check your payslip and tax code. Your tax situation can usually be corrected once the appropriate information is available.
What Should You Do When Starting a New Job?
If you’re changing jobs, a simple checklist can make the process easier:
1. Ask your previous employer for your P45
Your previous employer should provide your P45 when you leave.
2. Give your P45 to your new employer
If you have received it, provide it to your new employer so they can use the information for payroll.
3. Complete the starter checklist if you don’t have a P45
Your new employer can provide the appropriate starter checklist.
4. Provide your National Insurance number
You will normally need this when starting employment.
5. Check your first payslip
Look at your tax code, pay and deductions to make sure everything appears correct.
Do You Need a P45 If You Are Starting Your First Job?
No.
If this is your first job, you will not have a P45 from a previous employer.
Instead, you can complete the starter checklist so your employer has the information required to set you up on payroll.
Do You Need a P45 for a Second Job?
If you already have another job and are starting an additional job, your tax situation can be different.
You should provide the information requested by your new employer and complete the starter checklist where appropriate.
HMRC generally applies a tax code to each employment, so it is important to provide accurate information when starting additional employment.
Why Is a P45 Important?
Although you can start work without one, a P45 is useful because it gives your new employer information about your previous employment and tax position.
It can help your employer set up your payroll correctly and calculate deductions.
For employees, keeping track of your P45 and checking your first payslip can help identify potential payroll or tax issues early.
Final Thoughts
So, do you need a P45 to start a new job? No.
A P45 is useful and should normally be given to your new employer if you have one, but you can still start a new job without it.
If you do not have a P45, your employer can ask you to complete a starter checklist. This gives them the information they need to set up your payroll and work out your tax.
If you have recently changed jobs, make sure you provide your new employer with the required information and check your first payslip carefully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I start a new job without a P45?
Yes. You can start a new job without a P45. If you do not have one, your new employer can ask you to complete a starter checklist.
What happens if I don’t have a P45?
Tell your new employer that you do not have one. You may need to complete a starter checklist so they can set you up correctly on payroll.
How long do I have to give my P45 to my new employer?
Give your P45 to your new employer when you have it. If you do not have one, ask your employer about completing the starter checklist.
What if my old employer hasn’t given me my P45?
Ask your previous employer for your P45. If you do not receive it, you can tell your new employer and complete a starter checklist instead.
Can I get a replacement P45 from HMRC?
No. HMRC says that if your P45 has been lost or your previous employer says it was sent but you did not receive it, you cannot get a replacement. You can use the starter checklist instead.
Does a P45 affect my tax code?
It can provide your new employer with information used to work out the tax to deduct from your pay. If the information is missing or incorrect, your tax code may initially be different.
