P46 Form: Meaning, New Starter Form & Tax Code

What Is a P46 Form?

A P46 Form is used when a worker begins a new job without a P45 from their existing employer. To prevent overpayment or underpayment of taxes, the form assists HMRC in identifying the new employee’s correct tax code. The P46 Form is used by employers to submit information about the new hire’s employment status and income. The HMRC Starter Checklist replaced the P46 Form in recent years. However, because of its old name and purpose, a lot of people still call the new document the P46 Form.

When Do You Need It?

In the following circumstances, a P46 Form or the HMRC Starter Checklist is required:

if you begin working for a new company without a P45 from your former employer.
if you used to work for yourself but are now looking for a job.
if this is your first job and you have never worked before.
if you don’t have a P45 and have been unemployed for a long time.

In the absence of this form, HMRC might use an emergency tax code, which could result in overpayments. You can make sure you pay the correct amount of tax from your first payslip by completing the P46 Form or HMRC Starter Checklist.

How Does the P46 Form Help New Starters Without a P45?

The P46 form, also known as a new starter form, helps employees who do not have P45 when starting new work. This document ensures that employers can provide incorrect tax codes, and prevent incorrect tax cuts. Without the correct tax code, employees can do more tax or reduce taxes, leading to lead to financial issues. The information provided on the P46 Starter Checklist allows HMRC to determine whether an employee has several jobs, receives a pension, or any other income affecting their tax status.

Employers use this P46 statement to accurately present details, which helps manage parole efficiently. P46 One of the most important functions of tax forms is avoiding emergency tax. Without P45, employees can be placed on an emergency tax code, so HMRC does not update their tax status. By completing the P46 meaning, employers can ensure proper payroll deductions, preventing unnecessary financial stress. The P46 form also helps businesses follow tax rules by providing updated employment details to HMRC. This process ensures that employees are appropriately imposed and employers maintain an accurate payroll record.

Where Can You Download the P46 Form Online?

The P46 Form PDF is available for online download on the official HMRC website. For new hires without a P45, HMRC now uses the HMRC Starter Checklist PDF rather than the P46 Form. Employers can use this checklist to help them figure out the new hire’s tax code. Visit the HMRC website or speak with your employer to obtain the most recent P46 Form download.

The HMRC Starter Checklist PDF is available on the Gov. UK website under payroll forms if you require it. This form is used by employers to get tax information from workers without a P45. The checklist includes information on tax codes, student loans, and sources of income. To avoid using out-of-date forms, always download the most recent version.

What Information Is Required on a P46 Starter Checklist?

The following information is needed for the P46 Starter Checklist (formerly the P46 Form):

Required Information	Details
Employee’s Personal Details	Full name, date of birth, address, NI number
Employment Status	Whether the employee has another job or is a student
Previous Income	Any taxable benefits or pensions received
Tax Code Information	Previous tax details if available
Declaration of Work Status	Confirm if the employee has worked elsewhere during the tax year

Correctly completing the P46 Form online guarantees that workers are assigned to the appropriate tax code. Before processing payroll, employers are required to provide this information to HMRC.

How Does the P46 Form Affect Your Tax Code?

HMRC uses the P46 Form (also known as the P46 Starter Checklist) to determine your tax code. HMRC may issue a temporary tax code, like BR or OT if you don’t supply the correct information, which could lead to larger tax deductions.

Typical Tax Code Situations:

You will be given the standard 1257L tax code if you are unemployed and complete the form accurately.
HMRC may issue a BR tax code, which means that all earnings are subject to 20% tax, if you hold another job.
You might be put on an emergency tax code, like OT, if you don’t complete the form.

Is the HMRC Starter Checklist the Same as the P46 Form?

Yes, the P46 Form was superseded by the HMRC Starter Checklist. The format and extra information on the new form are the primary differences.

Comparison	P46 Form	HMRC Starter Checklist
Purpose	Assigns a tax code	Assigns a tax code
Availability	Previously a paper form	Digital and paper versions are available
Used By	Employees without a P45	All new employees
Extra Details	Limited employment history	More detailed employment status

Instead of using the P46 Form PDF, employers should now use the HMRC Starter Checklist PDF.

Conclusion

For new hires without a P45, the P46 Form now called the HMRC Starter Checklist—is crucial. It assists in identifying the appropriate tax code, avoiding erroneous tax deductions. Workers can submit their information online or by downloading the P46 Form from HMRC.

Before processing payroll, employers must make sure all new hires fill out a P46 Starter Checklist or a new employee starter form PDF. Giving accurate information guarantees a seamless employment transition and avoids tax issues.

FAQs

1. What does a P46 Form mean?

For new hires without a P45, the UK used the P46 Form as a tax document. It assisted in identifying the appropriate tax code to prevent emergency taxes. The HMRC Starter Checklist has now taken the place of the form.

2. Are the P46 and New Starter forms interchangeable?

Indeed, the New Starter Form or HMRC Starter Checklist are the new names for the P46 Form. When an employee starts a new job without a P45, it gathers the necessary tax data.

3. What is the purpose of P46 forms?

When a new hire lacks a P45, P46 Forms now known as the HMRC Starter Checklist—assist employers in figuring out the employee's tax code.

4. Can a P46 tax form be used today?

No, the P46 tax form is no longer in use. Rather, new hires are required to fill out the HMRC Starter Checklist, which has the same function but adds more employment information.