The PAYE division of HMRC just sent a letter. Are we screwed?

[lotuseener]

The PAYE division of HMRC just sent a letter requesting DH's P60 for 2009 and P45 for 2010. They said it was so they could make sure he had paid the correct amount of tax and to bring their tax records up to date. DH was a post-grad student during these times and only worked part time.
With all the news about people owing £ to the HMRC because of errors in the PAYE system am I right to be worried?

Thanks for any insight.

No need to worry at all.

But the PAYE people have access to all of this information because it is provided to them each year by your dh's employer. They should have absolutely no need to ask you for a P60 and P45.

I agree there's no need to worry but I would 'phone and ask them why they don't have this on file by reference to your dh's NI number and specifically ask them to conform that he has been credited with the relevant years NI contributions for state pension purposes ?

Methinks there is more seriously wrong at HMRC than we are being told in the press.

Is the letter from a specific tax office, quoting your dh's NINO and tax ref? Does it have an address and phone number on it?

Tax is dealt with in specific offices, there is not a PAYE division as such. Look up the HMRC enquiry line number online (ring the number for those calling from overseas, it can be quicker) and check that the letter is from them and is not a scam.

As SDPG says, the Revenue will already hold this information, so why do they need it again?