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How can I work out my payment reference when paying PAYE to HMRC?

Updated: May 10, 2021




Each year HMRC will send out a letter to all employers explaining your PAYE reference number, this can vary if payments are not paid on time. However there is a way of working this out yourself if you need to.


Where can I find my PAYE number?


You receive your PAYE number when the PAYE scheme is set up and HMRC will send you a letter to let you know and sometimes provide paying in slips. I would make a note of this number and let your accountant or bookkeeper know too.

If you have access to HMRC portal, you can find your PAYE on your business portal. If you are an employee, your employers PAYE number should be on your payslips, P45 or P60s.


What is the Accounts office reference number?


An Accounts office reference number is what forms the beginning of your PAYE payment reference, this is also sometimes known as your collection reference. This part of the reference number never changes. This is in the format of: 123AB45678910


Next Step


This is the part which is dependent on the tax year. The last 4 digits are YYMM. The year will be the end of the current tax year, for example 2021-2022 will be 22. MM will represent the tax month, for example 6th April to 5th May is Month 1 so this will be 01





Therefore the full reference number for March 2022 would be 123AB456789102212


Do you need help with your payroll?

If you need help with paying yourself or your staff, I can help you! From just £10 per payslip, I can help make your life easier, just contact me via the “contact me” form and I can send you a free personalised quote.

If you have any questions or require further support please get in touch.




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