New A4-size P45 - HMRC comments on environmental issues

Written by Ian Congreave - Filed under: PAYE Procedures on December 22nd, 2008

HMRC’s decision to replace the existing A-5 size P45 with a larger A4-size form has been queried by some software developers who have been encouraging their clients to consider environmental issues and online filing. In response, HMRC makes the following points:

While we accept the importance of environmental issues, we have also had to take into account pressure from employers who want to produce computer generated versions of the P45 rather than use HMRC stationery. As A4 is standard computer output size, we took the opportunity to change all P45 versions to this size for conformity. When employers print P45 Parts 1A, 2 and 3 on plain paper they will actually save paper when they send Part 1 of the form online. They will also save on storage costs as they will no longer need to house pre-printed stationery. This will apply to an increasing number of employers as mandatory in-year online filing progresses.

We also took the opportunity to include on the new version of the form the further details (date of birth and gender) that employers must provide from 6 April 2009. We are hoping that as many employers as possible will start to use the new forms as soon as their existing stocks have been exhausted. This will help us run down HMRC stocks and ensure that as little of the old style stationery as possible is in circulation at April 2009 when the new versions become mandatory.

HMRC is also reminding employers that, as the new P45 may be printed by employers themselves on plain white paper in black ink, they will start to receive, quite correctly, a mixture of P45 forms on plain paper and pre-printed stationery.

Further information:
December 2008 issue of Notes for Payroll Software Developers

The UK Payroll News is sponsored by HRD & Payroll Solutions

Written by Ian Congreave -

Filed under: PAYE Procedures on December 22nd, 2008