New style form P45
In October 2008, a new version of the P45 form was issued which included a couple of additional fields and a new format. HMRC have issued a reminder to businesses that the new form must be used with effect from 6 April 2009.
The new forms are printed on A4 paper (previously the forms were printed on A5 stock) and can be used with immediate effect. From 6 April 2009 any stocks of the old A5 forms must be destroyed.
The new form includes additional fields for date of birth and gender to assist in matching an employee’s information with HMRC’s records.
Employees who are not familiar with the new forms should be reassured that the only changes to the form are in relation to the format and the additional fields mentioned above.
The P45 includes 4 parts, part 1, part 1A, part 2 and part 3. When an employee ceases working, part 1 is sent to HRMC by the employer and the remaining 3 parts are usually all given to the employee.