Pay as You Earn reference numbers

HMRC may occasionally request your PAYE reference number. You can find it by checking your latest payslip; your PAYE reference number is usually listed there.

If you cannot access your payslip, you can find out the PAYE reference number based on the first 2 digits of your payroll number.

Pay as You Earn reference numbers
Payroll number starts with PAYE reference
32, 39, 42, 53 or 65 961/3886125
38 961/4009126
37 961/0379656
34 961/3859111
72 120/SB20673
75 961/8782116

 

Page last modified: 17 September 2025