Voluntary NI Contributions - Which Method of Payment?

patrick194

I've been fortunate enough to get through to the Future Pension Centre and was transferred through and successfully obtained my 18 digit reference number.

When asked by the advisor how I would pay I suggested from my online bank account.

However, I see that on Gov.UK, there are two 'online' options to pay https://www.gov.uk/pay-voluntary-class-3-national-insurance

1. by approving approving a payment through your online bank account

or

2. by online or telephone banking

Are these two methods different? I don't want to start the payment process using my reference number and then find out I've got the worng reference for that payment method.

Is it better to use one over the other?

Will I get a more 'official' proof of payment by using the Gov.UK website to 'approve' a payment from my online bank account?

Can they tell from the reference number exactly which years have been selected by me?

Any guidance welcomed.

gamston

when i paid my voluntary contributions I logged in to my online bank, put in "the Government bank details" and it showed something like " HMG NI payments"  put in the 18 digets ref no, then payment ( my payment was for the maximum 6 yrs)
it all went though ok, because my pension was due to start within a few months I rung the 0300 phone number2 weeks later to get confirmation money had arrived and showed against my NI account, ( phone was ringing/on hold for an hour before getting a human being)

patrick194

Thanks - just tried with my bank and it gives two account name options! Will ask on the forum!

MACKEM99

I went through the you gov site then pay ni, it then a drop down menu asks which bank and takes you to your login etc.  Was very easy.

patrick194

Thanks MACKEM99 - my bank has recognised HMRC's account sort code and number details but given a choice of two matching account names!

Did you experience this? If so which did you choose - HMRC NIC Deficiency Payment or HMRC NICO?

I might try your method via gov.uk site - do you think the 18 digit ref number remains the same regardless of which method of payment you choose?

Just that when I was asked on the phone how I would pay, I said via my online bank.

chels

I was given the bank details to pay but decided to pay via the government website, the 18 digit number will be same either way.  Also, looking at my bank account, it shows the payment to HMRC NICO.

patrick194

Thank you chels - I also opted to go through the gov.uk site to pay - and it worked and as you say the answer is indeed NICO.

I would recommend people use the gov.uk webiste option of paying as you also get a receipt by email - which is nice!

kidance6

Thank you, so you do need a reference no, I shall keep trying.  Cannot helpthinking in this technological age there should be an easier way than hanging on a phone line .