How to get a P60 if unemployed is a common question in the UK, especially when applying for mortgages, rentals, loans, or financial verification. A P60 is normally issued by employers at the end of the tax year, but many people become concerned about accessing old records after leaving work or experiencing unemployment.
In most cases, unemployed individuals do not automatically receive a new P60. However, you may still be able to access previous records from former employers or obtain a professionally prepared replacement P60 if your original document is missing.
You can also visit Payslips Plus for support with replacement payroll records and UK income documentation.
Order your old payslips p60 here same day delivery
What Is a P60?
A P60 is an end-of-year payroll document issued by employers after the tax year ends. It summarises:
- total earnings
- income tax paid
- National Insurance contributions
- pension deductions
- tax code information
Many organisations request P60 documents during:
- mortgage applications
- tenancy checks
- financial verification
- tax reviews
- loan applications
If you want to better understand payroll records and tax deductions, read The Complete Guide to P60 Form.
Can You Get a P60 if You Are Unemployed?
If you are currently unemployed, you will not receive a new P60 unless you worked during the tax year.
However, you may still be able to:
- request a copy from your previous employer
- access payroll records online
- use older employment documents
- obtain a replacement copy for verification purposes
Many people searching for how to get a P60 if unemployed simply need access to older records for financial applications or proof of previous income.

How to Get an Old P60 from a Previous Employer
Your first step should always be contacting your previous employer or payroll department. Employers usually keep payroll records for several years, which means they may still be able to provide:
- copies of old P60s
- replacement payroll records
- duplicate tax summaries
If you no longer have contact with your previous employer, you may still be able to recover missing records through alternative documentation.
You can also read Can I Get a Copy of My P60 from HMRC? for more guidance about recovering old tax records.
Can HMRC Provide a Replacement P60?
HMRC does not usually issue replacement P60 certificates directly. However, they may provide:
- employment history
- income records
- tax summaries
- PAYE information
Official HMRC guidance can be found through HMRC PAYE records.
What If You Have Never Received a P60?
There are several reasons why someone may not have a P60:
- unemployment during the tax year
- recent immigration to the UK
- self-employment
- temporary work gaps
- payroll errors
If you are self-employed, HMRC usually uses:
- Self Assessment tax returns
- SA302 forms
- tax year overviews
instead of P60 documents. You may also find Proof of Income Without Payslips UK useful if you need alternative income verification methods.
Can a P45 Be Used Instead?
A P45 may sometimes help if:
- you recently left a job
- you have not yet received a P60
- you need temporary proof of earnings
However, a P45 only shows income up to the date you left employment, while a P60 summarises the entire tax year.
