Getting Class 3 Pension Contributions Reclassified as Class 2

Sumarokov

Hello. I lived abroad for many years, where I was working. I did not contribute to my state pension, but HMRC has worked out that I can pay towards my pension by making voluntary contributions.

However, as I understand, they have calculated them all as Class 3, when I think it should be Class 2, as I was both employed and self-employed!

I wrote to HMRC but they seemed confused or maybe I did not understand them. They think I was writing because I plan to go abroad. I do not! I was abroad...

Can I get the Class 3 recalculated as Class 2? This is obviously cheaper... and what do I have to provide as evidence that I was employed abroad, as I suspect they will not simply take my word for it...

Paul_Herring

Not sure if this helps at all, but https://www.gov.uk/voluntary-national-insurance-contributions/who-can-pay-voluntary-contributions

Class 2 - but only if you worked in the UK immediately before leaving, and you’ve previously lived in the UK for 3 years in a row and paid 3 years of contributions

Links to https://www.gov.uk/national-insurance-if-you-go-abroad, which doesn't mention anything about 3 years (but one of the links on that page might; didn't look that deeply.)

Johnnyboy11

From an earlier post of mine

As an expat you can pay Class 2 National Insurance, and back-date it for six tax-years. There is a form to complete at the back of HMRC NI38 guidance available here:

https://www.gov.uk/voluntary-national-insurance-contributions/deadlines

Read up on the eligibility rules first, the main one being no significant gap (one week?) between working in the UK and working overeas. Make sure via covering letter that you emphasise Class 2's only. You will receive a letter expalining how much to pay for each eligible year, send off a cheque, job done.

Lots of expats have done this, one of the best investments you can ever make.