In many circumstances it can be beneficial for taxpayers to make voluntary Class 2 National Insurance Contributions (NICs) to increase their entitlement to benefits, including the State or New State Pension if they are self-employed.
Taxpayers might want to consider making voluntary NICs because:
1. They are close to State Pension age and do not have enough qualifying years to get the full State Pension
2. They know they will not be able to get the qualifying years they need to qualify for the full State Pension during their working life
3. They are self-employed and do not have to pay Class 2 contributions because they have low profits or live outside the UK, but want to qualify for some benefits.
There is also a specific list of jobs where Class 2 NICs are not payable. These are:
– examiners, moderators, invigilators and people who set exam questions
people who run businesses involving land or property.
– ministers of religion who do not receive a salary or stipend .
– people who make investments for themselves or others – but not as a business and without getting a fee or commission.
If you know any taxpayers that fall within any of these categories it may be beneficial to get a State Pension forecast and examine whether they should make voluntary Class 2 NICs to make up missing years.