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The HMRC Starter Checklist form serves as an essential tool for both employers and new employees in the United Kingdom. It gathers vital information that helps employers complete their first Full Payment Submission (FPS) for a new hire. Employers are required to retain the details recorded on this form for the current and previous three tax years, ensuring compliance with tax regulations. New employees must complete the form before their first payday to provide their employer with necessary information for reporting to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). Notably, the form includes sections for personal details, such as the employee's name, address, date of birth, and National Insurance number, if known. Additionally, employees must select one of three statements that accurately reflects their tax situation, which is crucial for determining the correct tax code. The form also addresses student loans, asking whether the employee has any outstanding loans and guiding them through the repayment process. It is important to remember that neither employers nor employees should send the completed form to HMRC; instead, it is to be kept on file for reference.

Preview - Hmrc Starter Checklist Form

Starter checklist

Instructions for employers

This Starter Checklist can be used to gather information about your new employee. You can use this information to help fill in your first Full Payment Submission (FPS) for this employee. You need to keep the information recorded on the Starter Checklist record for the current and previous 3 tax years. Do not send this form to

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

Instructions for employees

As a new employee your employer needs the information on this form before your first payday to tell HMRC about you and help them use the correct tax code. Fill in this form then give it to your employer. Do not send this form to HMRC.

It’s important that you choose the correct statement. If you do not choose the correct statement you may pay too much or too little tax. For help filling in this form watch our short youtube video, go to www.youtube.com/hmrcgovuk

Employee’s personal details

1

Last name

5

Home address

2First names

Do not enter initials or shortened names such as Jim for James or Liz for Elizabeth

3Are you male or female?

Male Female

4 Date of birth DD MM YYYY

Postcode

Country

6National Insurance number if known

7Employment start date DD MM YYYY

Employee statement

8

Choose the statement that applies to you, either A, B or C, and tick the appropriate box.

Statement A

Statement B

Statement C

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Do not choose this statement if

Do not choose this statement if

Choose this statement if:

you’re in receipt of a State, Works

you’re in receipt of a State, Works

• you have another job and/or

or Private Pension.

or Private Pension.

• you’re in receipt of a State, Works

 

 

 

 

 

 

Choose this statement if the

Choose this statement if the

or Private Pension

following applies.

following applies.

 

 

 

This is my first job since 6 April and

Since 6 April I have had another job

 

 

 

since the 6 April I’ve not received

but I do not have a P45. And/or since

 

 

 

payments from any of the following:

the 6 April I have received payments

 

 

 

• Jobseeker’s Allowance

from any of the following:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Employment and Support Allowance

• Jobseeker’s Allowance

 

 

 

• Incapacity Benefit

• Employment and Support Allowance

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Incapacity Benefit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Statement A applies to me

 

 

Statement B applies to me

 

 

Statement C applies to me

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Starter checklist

Page 1

HMRC 02/21

Student loans

9Tell us if any of the following statements apply to you:

you do not have any Student or Postgraduate Loans

you’re still studying full-time on a course that your Student Loan relates to

you completed or left your full-time course after the start of the current tax year, which started on 6 April

you’re already making regular direct debit repayments from your bank, as agreed with the Student Loans Company

If No, tick this box and go to question 10

If Yes, tick this box and go straight to the Declaration

10To avoid repaying more than you need to, tick the correct Student Loans that you have - use the guidance on the right to help you.

Please tick all that apply

Plan 1

Plan 2

Plan 4

Postgraduate Loan (England and Wales only)

Types of Student Loan

You have Plan 1 if any of the following apply:

you lived in Northern Ireland when you started your course

you lived in England or Wales and started your course before 1 September 2012

You have a Plan 2 if:

You lived in England or Wales and started your course on or after 1 September 2012.

You have a Plan 4 if:

You lived in Scotland and applied through the

Students Award Agency Scotland (SAAS) when you started your course.

You have a Postgraduate Loan if any of the following apply:

you lived in England and started your Postgraduate

Master’s course on or after 1 August 2016

you lived in Wales and started your Postgraduate Master’s course on or after 1 August 2017

you lived in England or Wales and started your

Postgraduate Doctoral course on or after 1 August 2018

Employees, for more information about the type of loan you have, go to www.gov.uk/sign-in-to-manage-your-student-loan-balance Employers, for guidance go to www.gov.uk/guidance/special-rules-for-student-loans

Declaration

I confirm that the information I’ve given on this form is correct.

Signature

Full name

 

 

 

 

Date DD MM YYYY

Page 2

Document Specifics

Fact Name Details
Purpose The Starter Checklist gathers essential information about new employees to assist employers in completing their first Full Payment Submission (FPS) to HMRC.
Retention Period Employers must retain the information recorded on the Starter Checklist for the current tax year and the previous three tax years.
Submission Instructions Neither employees nor employers should send the Starter Checklist to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
Importance of Accuracy Choosing the correct statement on the form is crucial. Incorrect choices may lead to overpayment or underpayment of taxes.
Student Loan Information The form includes questions regarding Student Loans, helping to identify repayment plans and obligations for new employees.

Hmrc Starter Checklist: Usage Instruction

Filling out the HMRC Starter Checklist form is a straightforward process. This form collects essential information that your employer will need to report to HMRC before your first payday. After completing the form, hand it over to your employer. Remember, do not send this form to HMRC.

  1. Write your last name in the designated space.
  2. Enter your first names. Avoid using initials or nicknames.
  3. Select your gender by ticking either the Male or Female box.
  4. Fill in your date of birth in the format DD MM YYYY.
  5. Provide your home address, including the postcode and country.
  6. If known, include your National Insurance number.
  7. Indicate your employment start date in the format DD MM YYYY.
  8. Choose one of the statements (A, B, or C) that applies to you and tick the appropriate box.
  9. If applicable, answer whether you have a Student Loan that is not fully repaid.
  10. If yes, specify if you completed or left your studies before 6th April.
  11. Indicate whether you are repaying your Student Loan directly to the Student Loans Company by direct debit.
  12. If you have a Student Loan, select the type (Plan 1, Plan 2, or both).
  13. If you have a Postgraduate Loan that is not fully repaid, answer the relevant questions.
  14. Complete the declaration by confirming the information is correct. Sign, print your full name, and date the form in the format DD MM YYYY.

Learn More on Hmrc Starter Checklist

What is the purpose of the HMRC Starter Checklist form?

The HMRC Starter Checklist form is designed to collect essential information from new employees. Employers use this information to complete the first Full Payment Submission (FPS) for the employee. It ensures that the correct tax code is applied, which helps in accurate tax deductions.

Who needs to fill out the Starter Checklist?

New employees must fill out the Starter Checklist. This form provides their employers with necessary details before the employee's first payday. It is crucial for the employee to complete this form accurately to avoid tax issues.

What information is required on the Starter Checklist?

The form requires the following personal details from the employee:

  1. Last name
  2. First names
  3. Gender
  4. Date of birth
  5. Home address
  6. National Insurance number (if known)
  7. Employment start date

Additionally, the employee must select one of three statements regarding their employment status and provide information about any student loans if applicable.

What should employees do after completing the Starter Checklist?

After filling out the Starter Checklist, employees should submit the form to their employer. It is important not to send the form directly to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

How long should employers keep the information from the Starter Checklist?

Employers are required to retain the information recorded on the Starter Checklist for the current tax year and the previous three tax years. This retention is necessary for compliance and record-keeping purposes.

What happens if the employee selects the wrong statement on the form?

If an employee chooses the incorrect statement regarding their employment status, it may lead to incorrect tax deductions. This could result in the employee paying too much or too little tax. Therefore, careful consideration is essential when making this selection.

Is there guidance available for filling out the Starter Checklist?

Yes, employees can find additional guidance on filling out the Starter Checklist by watching a short video provided by HMRC. This video is available on their official YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/hmrcgovuk.

What should employees do if they have student loans?

Employees with student loans must answer specific questions related to their loans on the Starter Checklist. They should indicate whether they have a Plan 1 or Plan 2 loan, and whether they are currently repaying it. This information is crucial for determining the correct tax code.

Common mistakes

Completing the HMRC Starter Checklist form accurately is crucial for new employees to ensure proper tax handling. However, many individuals make common mistakes that can lead to complications. One frequent error is failing to provide full names. Using initials or shortened versions of names can create confusion and may not match official records, potentially leading to issues with tax codes.

Another common mistake is not selecting the correct statement regarding previous employment. This choice is essential, as it directly impacts tax calculations. Employees often overlook the importance of understanding their employment history since April 6th, which can result in either overpaying or underpaying taxes.

Additionally, some individuals neglect to include their National Insurance number if they know it. This number is vital for HMRC to track contributions and ensure that the correct tax code is applied. Omitting it can delay processing and lead to complications in tax assessments.

Many people also make the mistake of skipping the employment start date. This date is necessary for HMRC to determine tax periods and ensure compliance with regulations. Without this information, employers may struggle to complete the Full Payment Submission accurately.

Another area of confusion arises with the Student Loan questions. Some individuals may not realize they need to specify the type of Student Loan they have. This detail is crucial for determining repayment thresholds and ensuring that deductions are made correctly. Failing to provide this information can lead to unexpected financial burdens.

Furthermore, it's not uncommon for employees to forget to sign and date the declaration at the end of the form. This signature confirms that the information provided is correct and valid. Without it, the form may be considered incomplete, causing delays in processing.

Lastly, individuals sometimes overlook the instruction to not send the form to HMRC. Instead, it should be given directly to the employer. Misunderstanding this instruction can lead to unnecessary complications and potential miscommunication with HMRC.

By being aware of these common mistakes, new employees can ensure their HMRC Starter Checklist is filled out correctly, leading to a smoother transition into their new role and proper tax management.

Documents used along the form

The HMRC Starter Checklist form is an essential document for new employees in the UK. It helps employers gather necessary information to ensure correct tax codes are applied. Along with this form, several other documents may be used to support the employment process and tax reporting. Below is a list of these documents, each described briefly.

  • P45 Form: This form is issued when an employee leaves a job. It shows how much tax has been paid on earnings during the tax year. Employers need this to set the correct tax code for new employees.
  • P60 Form: At the end of the tax year, employers provide this document to employees. It summarizes total earnings and tax paid during the year, which is useful for personal records and tax returns.
  • Employment Contract: This is a formal agreement between the employer and employee outlining the terms of employment, including job responsibilities, salary, and benefits. It helps clarify expectations for both parties.
  • National Insurance Number (NIN) Confirmation: This document confirms an employee's National Insurance number, which is crucial for tax and social security contributions. Employers must ensure employees have a valid NIN.
  • Bank Details Form: Employees provide their bank account information through this form to set up direct deposit for salary payments. It ensures timely and accurate payment of wages.
  • Tax Code Notification: This document informs employees of their tax code, which affects how much tax is deducted from their salary. It’s essential for employees to understand their tax obligations.
  • Right to Work Documentation: Employers must verify that their employees have the legal right to work in the UK. This documentation can include passports, visas, or residence permits.
  • Student Loan Information: If applicable, employees must provide details about any student loans they have. This information helps determine if student loan repayments need to be deducted from their salary.
  • Health and Safety Policy Acknowledgment: Employees may be required to acknowledge receipt of health and safety policies. This ensures they understand workplace safety protocols and their responsibilities.
  • Personal Data Consent Form: This form allows employers to collect and process personal data in compliance with data protection laws. It ensures employees are aware of how their information will be used.

These documents work together to create a comprehensive employment record and ensure compliance with tax and employment laws. Keeping them organized and accessible is beneficial for both employers and employees.

Similar forms

The Employee Information Form is a document that serves a similar purpose to the HMRC Starter Checklist. It collects essential details about new employees, such as their personal information and tax status. Employers use this form to ensure compliance with tax regulations and to accurately report employee earnings to the relevant authorities. Like the Starter Checklist, the Employee Information Form emphasizes the importance of providing correct information to avoid tax discrepancies.

The W-4 Form, also known as the Employee's Withholding Certificate, is another document that bears resemblance to the HMRC Starter Checklist. It is used by employees in the United States to indicate their tax withholding preferences. This form helps employers determine the appropriate amount of federal income tax to withhold from an employee's paycheck. Similar to the Starter Checklist, the W-4 requires personal information and specific declarations regarding the employee's tax situation.

The I-9 Form, or Employment Eligibility Verification, is crucial for employers to confirm the identity and employment authorization of their employees. Like the HMRC Starter Checklist, the I-9 requires employees to provide personal details and documentation. Both forms serve to ensure compliance with legal requirements, although the I-9 focuses on verifying eligibility to work in the U.S., while the Starter Checklist is centered on tax information.

The New Hire Reporting Form is another document that shares similarities with the HMRC Starter Checklist. Employers use this form to report newly hired employees to the state, which assists in child support enforcement and tracking employment. This form, like the Starter Checklist, collects essential employee information and must be submitted promptly after hiring, highlighting the need for accurate and timely reporting.

The State Tax Withholding Form is akin to the HMRC Starter Checklist in that it allows employees to specify their state tax withholding preferences. This form helps employers calculate the correct amount of state income tax to withhold from employees’ paychecks. Both documents require personal information and declarations to ensure that employees are taxed appropriately based on their individual circumstances.

The Benefits Enrollment Form is another document that parallels the HMRC Starter Checklist. It collects information from employees regarding their selections for various benefits offered by the employer, such as health insurance and retirement plans. Both forms require personal details and play a vital role in ensuring that employees receive the correct benefits and are taxed accordingly.

The Direct Deposit Authorization Form is similar to the HMRC Starter Checklist in that it gathers information necessary for payroll processing. This form allows employees to authorize their employer to deposit their pay directly into their bank accounts. Both documents require personal banking information and are essential for ensuring that employees receive their wages accurately and on time.

The Employee Handbook Acknowledgment Form is another document that shares similarities with the HMRC Starter Checklist. Employees use this form to acknowledge that they have received and understood the company’s policies and procedures. While the Starter Checklist focuses on tax-related information, both forms require employees to provide personal details and confirm their understanding of important information related to their employment.

The Tax Credit Claim Form is akin to the HMRC Starter Checklist in that it allows individuals to claim tax credits based on their personal circumstances. This form requires detailed information regarding income and family status, similar to how the Starter Checklist gathers information to ensure proper tax withholding. Both documents aim to help individuals manage their tax responsibilities effectively.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the HMRC Starter Checklist form, there are important dos and don'ts to keep in mind. Following these guidelines can help ensure that the process goes smoothly and that you provide the necessary information accurately.

  • Do ensure that you fill in your full name accurately. Avoid using initials or nicknames.
  • Do select the correct statement (A, B, or C) that applies to your employment situation.
  • Do provide your National Insurance number if you know it. This can help streamline your tax processing.
  • Do double-check all dates, including your employment start date and date of birth, to avoid any discrepancies.
  • Do sign and date the declaration at the end of the form to confirm the information is accurate.
  • Don't send the form to HMRC. Instead, give it directly to your employer.
  • Don't choose a statement that doesn’t accurately reflect your situation, as this could lead to incorrect tax deductions.
  • Don't leave any sections blank. If a question doesn’t apply to you, indicate that clearly.
  • Don't forget to keep a copy of the completed form for your records, as it may be needed in the future.
  • Don't rush through the form. Take your time to ensure all information is accurate and complete.

Misconceptions

There are several misconceptions regarding the HMRC Starter Checklist form. Here are seven of them explained:

  • It must be sent to HMRC. Many people believe they need to submit this form to HMRC. In reality, you should keep it for your records and give it only to your employer.
  • Only employers need this form. Some think that only employers benefit from the Starter Checklist. However, it is crucial for employees as well, as it helps ensure the correct tax code is applied.
  • Choosing the wrong statement is not a big deal. Some may think it doesn’t matter which statement they choose. In fact, selecting the wrong statement can lead to paying too much or too little tax.
  • All personal details are optional. There is a misconception that personal details can be skipped. However, providing accurate information is essential for proper tax processing.
  • It's only for new employees. Some people believe this form is only for those starting a job for the first time. It is also for anyone starting a new job, regardless of their employment history.
  • It’s not necessary to keep records. Some individuals think they can discard the form after submission. In truth, you should keep it for the current and previous three tax years.
  • Student Loan information is not important. Many believe that the Student Loan section is optional. However, providing accurate information about your Student Loan status is important for correct deductions.

Key takeaways

When filling out the HMRC Starter Checklist form, there are several important points to keep in mind. This form is essential for both new employees and employers to ensure accurate tax reporting.

  • Purpose of the Form: The Starter Checklist is designed to collect necessary information about new employees to assist employers in completing their first Full Payment Submission (FPS).
  • Retention of Information: Employers must keep the information from the Starter Checklist for the current tax year and the previous three tax years.
  • No Submission to HMRC: Neither employees nor employers should send the completed Starter Checklist to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
  • Importance of Accuracy: Employees should carefully choose the correct statement (A, B, or C) to avoid paying incorrect amounts of tax.
  • Personal Information Required: Employees need to provide their full name, home address, date of birth, gender, and National Insurance number if known.
  • Student Loan Information: If applicable, employees must indicate whether they have a Student Loan and provide details about the type of loan.
  • Declaration: At the end of the form, employees must confirm that the information provided is accurate by signing and dating the declaration.
  • Guidance Resources: Employees can access additional help through HMRC’s YouTube channel and government websites for more information on student loans and tax codes.