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Part of Start a new job: step by step
Guidance

Starter checklist if you’re starting a new job

Fill in this checklist if you’re an employee starting a new job without a P45, so your employer can work out the tax code to use on your first pay.

Updates to this page

From:
HM Revenue & Customs
Published:
3 October 2022
Last updated:
2 March 2026
Show all updates

  1. Guidance updated to explain 'What the starter checklist is used for', 'Who should fill it in' and 'What you'll need'. Also if you cannot use the online form, updated versions of the starter checklist PDFs have been added.

  2. Clarified that you cannot save your progress when completing the online form.

  3. Added translation

If you’re an employer, find out how to tell HMRC about a new employee.

If you’ve already had your first pay, do not use the starter checklist (previously known as a P46). Use the check your Income Tax online service to check your tax code and update your details if they’re wrong.

What the starter checklist is used for 

If you do not have a P45 or your new employer needs more information, fill in the starter checklist to give them the details they need.

The P45 is a document you get from your last employer, if you had one. If you stopped getting Employment and Support Allowance, Jobseekers Allowance or Incapacity Benefit you’ll get a P45 from Jobcentre Plus.

If you have a P45 give this to your new employer. Your employer may ask you to fill in a starter checklist even if you give them a P45.

Your new employer will use the information you give in the checklist to:   

  • add you to their payroll system  
  • work out your tax code on your first pay  
  • work out how much tax to take from your pay   
  • work out your student or postgraduate loan deductions — if you have one  
  • let HMRC know that you’ve started working for them

Ask your employer when they need the checklist by.

Who should fill it in 

You may get asked to complete the starter checklist if:  

  • you’re starting your first job or first job in the UK  
  • you do not have a P45 from a previous job  
  • your personal details are different to those shown on your P45  
  • you’re returning to work after a break in employment
  • you’re starting a job after being self-employed   
  • you’re working for more than one employer  
  • your employer needs more information about your student or postgraduate loan

What you’ll need

You’ll need to know:  

  • if you’ve had another job or pension since 6 April  
  • your National Insurance number  
  • the start date of your new job  
  • if you have a student or postgraduate loan, which plan you’re on — check which repayment plan you’re on  
  • if you’ve had Employment and Support Allowance, Jobseekers Allowance, Incapacity Benefit or Universal Credit since 6 April  
  • your passport number — if you’ve been sent to work in the UK temporarily

Fill in the starter checklist 

You should get all of your information together before you start as you cannot save as you go along.  

Make sure you complete the form correctly or you may pay too much or too little tax. 

Email, post or give the starter checklist to your new employer.

Start now

If you cannot use the online form

You can print out and fill in, either the:

These files may not be suitable if you use assistive technology — such as a screen reader. If you need a more accessible format email different.format@hmrc.gov.uk and tell us what format you need. It will help if you tell us what assistive technology you use. Read the accessibility statement for HMRC forms.

Sign up for emails or print this page

Contents

This page is Part of Start a new job: step by step

  1. Step 1 Get your National Insurance number

    You'll usually need your National Insurance number when you start your new job.

    1. Find your National Insurance number
    1. Apply for a National Insurance number if you do not already have one

  2. Step 2 Accept the job offer

    The offer might be ‘conditional’ or ‘provisional’, which means you may need to give further details to your new employer or pass pre-employment checks.

    1. Find out about your rights when accepting a job offer

  3. Step 3 Share your details for any employer checks

    Give your new employer what they need to complete any pre-employment checks.

    1. Find out what checks your employer can make
    1. Find out how to prove your right to work
    1. Find out about criminal record checks

  4. Step 4 Review your employment contract

    Your new employer should give you an employment contract. Check the terms before you agree to it.

    1. Find out about employment contracts

  5. and If you're leaving a job, hand in your notice

    Tell your current employer that you’re going to leave and when your last day will be. This is known as handing in your notice.

    1. Find out how to hand in your notice

    When you hand in your notice, ask your employer when you’ll get your P45.

    1. Find out about the P45

  6. Step 5 Prepare your personal information for your first day

    To get paid, you’ll need to give your new employer:

  7. Step 6 Give your P45 to your new employer

    Your new employer will use your P45 to work out how much tax to take from your pay.

    1. Find out about the P45

  8. or If you do not have a P45, fill in the starter checklist

    Use the starter checklist to give your employer details they need to work out your pay and tax.

    1. You are currently viewing: Fill in the starter checklist

  9. Step 7 Check your first payslip

    Your employer must give you a payslip on or before payday.

    1. Find out what should be on your payslip

    It’s your responsibility to make sure you’re paying the right amount of tax.

    1. Check if the tax on your payslip is correct

    If you think the tax is wrong, your tax code may be incorrect.

    1. Find out what to do if you think your tax code is wrong