HMRC, or Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs, is the UK’s tax, payments, and customs authority. Among its myriad of functions, it also keeps a record of an individual’s employment history. One of the records you can request from HMRC is a 5-year work history. Here’s what you need to know about it.
What is HMRC’s 5-Year Work History?
HMRC’s 5-year work history is essentially a record of all your employment-related activities over the past five years. It includes details about:
Employers: The companies or people you’ve worked for.
Duration of Employment: How long you were employed with each employer.
Income: How much you earned from each employer.
Tax Details: How much tax was deducted from your income.
The information provided is based on the data your employers have submitted to HMRC through the PAYE (Pay As You Earn) system.
Why Might You Need It?
There are several reasons why someone might need their 5-year work history from HMRC:
Verification for Employment: Some employers request a detailed work history as part of their background check process.
Visa or Immigration Processes: When applying for visas or permanent residency in certain countries, you might be asked to provide a detailed record of your employment history.
Mortgage or Loan Applications: Lenders may ask for a detailed employment history to assess your financial stability.
Personal Record Keeping: It’s a good practice to have a record of your employment history for your personal records. It can be useful in future job applications, especially if you’ve worked in several roles or industries.
Resolving Tax-related Queries: If there’s a discrepancy in your tax records, or if you believe you’ve overpaid or underpaid tax, your work history can help resolve these queries.
How Can You Get It?
If you need your 5-year work history from HMRC, follow these steps:
Online through the HMRC Portal: If you have an online account with HMRC (a Personal Tax Account), you can log in and access some of your employment history details. However, for a detailed report, you might need to request it specifically.
By Phone: You can call HMRC directly and ask for your employment history. Ensure you have your National Insurance number and other identifying information at hand.
In Writing: Write a letter to HMRC, providing details like your full name, address, National Insurance number, and the specific period you want the work history for. Address your letter to:
HM Revenue and Customs BX9 1AS United Kingdom
Through a Tax Agent or Advisor: If you have a tax advisor or an accountant, they can request this information on your behalf, provided they have the necessary authorisation.
Once your request is processed, HMRC will send you the records, usually by post. Remember, always keep any personal or sensitive information safe and secure.
In conclusion, HMRC’s 5-year work history is an invaluable record for various professional and personal reasons. Whether you’re moving abroad, seeking new employment, or simply keeping your records up-to-date, it’s essential to know how to access this information.