Voluntary NICs question

JennyP

In a thread about a year ago, I asked about paying voluntary NICs so that I get extra pension years. I was told I could do this as I am self-employed (though don't earn much through this!) but that I'd be able to pay a weekly amount and that's the cheapest way for me to get those extra years. i was told this here on the forum and I checked it with the tax office who said that was correct. 

In the tax year 22/23, I was working - self-employed - but didn't receive any money for this. (Basically I'm an author so was contracted to write 2 books but didn't start receiving the money for these until the following tax year). I asked on this forum and I asked the tax office, can I still pay voluntary NICs in the tax year 22/23 even though I haven't received any money from this employment? I was told yes. 

However, the self-assessment thing online isn't letting me do that. I called HMRC about this back in June and they said to try again and they would fix it but still no joy. 

I get this error message: 

There is a problem

• As Class 2 NIC amount is not available or is zero, select 'No' to 'Do you want to pay Class 2 NICs voluntarily?'

Any ideas please? I could spend hours on the phone to HMRC again but it's just so frustrating! 

Dazed_and_C0nfused

Have you completed the self employment pages on your return?

JennyP

Dazed_and_C0nfused said:

Have you completed the self employment pages on your return?

I had. I tried deleting them and adding them again. Wonder if I didn't add them properly. Will check tomorrow.