PAYE62066 - employment maintenance: employment changes: compare of P45(3) with P45(1) details (Action Guide)


To deal with a discrepancy between the details shown on form P45(3) with those on form P45(1), follow steps 1 - 16 below. The guide is presented as follows

Action in new Processing OfficeSteps 1 - 3
Managers action in new Processing OfficeSteps 4 - 8
Action in old Processing OfficeSteps 9 - 13
Action on receipt of amended detailsSteps 14 - 16


For details of how to access any of the COP functions use the [Index of Functions] button on the left of the screen.

Action in new Processing Office

  1. When using Function MA and you find a discrepancy between the details shown on the P45(3) and the P45(1)
  • Press [Ctrl] and [A] to abandon the function
  1. Use Function BG (or Function NO if necessary) to see if there is an E-Note (essential note) explaining the reason for the discrepancy
  2. If the reason for the discrepancy is
  • Because the previous employer made a mistake or an amended P45(1) had been received
  • Use Function MA to request the transfer of the main source record and follow the instructions given in ‘Receipt Of Form P45(3) And P46 Statement B (Action Guide)’ at PAYE62026
  • Because of suspected fraud
  • Pass the details to your manager to check the reason for the discrepancy

Managers action in new Processing Office

  1. The manager must check if the discrepancy is due to an unemployment repayment that was made in Week 52 or Month 12 so that the P45(3) shows Week 1 details. If it is
  • Pass the form back to the appropriate officer to continue with Function MA
  1. In all other circumstances the manager should
  • Photocopy the form P45(3)
  • Send the original with a memo to the PAYE Manager in the old Processing Office giving details of the discrepancy
  • Continue with Function MA to request the transfer of the main source record
  • Put the form aside until the record is available in your Processing Office
  • When you hold the main source record use Function TA to set the BF signal
  • Put the photocopy of the P45 (3) and a copy of the memo in the Desk Pad
  1. Where there is a code discrepancy a printout will be produced to prompt a code review
  • Review the main source record and papers to ensure that the employer is operating the correct code
  1. If the correct code is in operation
  • Take no further action
  • Destroy the printout
  1. If the incorrect code is in operation
  • Use Function CD to
  • Issue form P2 to the taxpayer
  • Issue form P6 to the employer
  • Destroy the printout

Action in old Processing Office

  1. When the discrepancy enquiry is received the manager must
  • Find the form P45(1)
  1. If the discrepancy is due to an amended P45(1) having been received
  • Send E-Form – Standard Form 41A to new Processing Office to report the facts
  1. In all other circumstances the manager must
  • Keep the P45(1) with the form P45(3) in a secure establishment file
  • Put a dummy form P45(1) marked ‘DUMMY – P45(3) / P45(1) Compare Case’ in the P45(1) range in accordance with your normal office practice
  • Contact the employer if necessary - to find out the reason for the discrepancy
  1. If fraud or attempted fraud is suspected
  • Send a report of the facts together with the P45(1) and P45(3) and any other papers to Compliance Division, Strategy and Standards. For more information see Employer Compliance (ECM) Manual at ECM12011
  1. Send E-Form – Standard Form 41A to the new Processing Office to report the result of the enquiries, and any corrected pay or tax figures

Action on receipt of amended details

  1. Link the reply to the BF papers in the Desk Pad
  2. If the P45(1) details are confirmed as correct
  • Use Function CD to
  • Issue form P2 to the taxpayer with the appropriate Customer Service note
  • Issue form P6 to the employer with the correct previous pay, tax and code details
  • Use Function TA to set the DR signal
  • File the enquiry papers in the appropriate District Record
  1. If the P45(3) details are confirmed as correct
  • Use Function MR to enter the correct pay / tax / code details on the employment record
  • Do not issue form P6 as the employer will be using the correct details
  • Use Function TA to set the DR signal
  • File the enquiry papers in the appropriate District Record