Topping up NI contributions when you work abroad

Muffet1

Has anyone successfully managed to pay voluntary Class 3 NI whilst working abroad?  

pinnks

There is a process to follow and why would you necessarily pay the more expensive Class 3 when you may well qualify to pay the cheaper Class 2?  If you were resident for at least 3 consecutive years in the UK then you can pay voluntary NI at Class 3.  If you worked until immediately before you left and worked abroad for any year you want to pay, then you could qualify to pay Class 2.

Have a look at NI38 on GOV UK and send form CF83 to HMRC selecting Class 2 if appropriate, ticking box 25 to say you want to fill old years, leaving the banking stuff blank and in the covering letter you will need for your employment details abroad, add that you will pay Class 3 if you do not qualify for Class 2.  Send that off and sit back for 12 months until HMRC find your form in the mountain they are currently dealing with.

Muffet1

In the Autumn 2023 statement, the Chancellor announced that Class 2 NIC would be abolished.  I have completed CF83, I am not and have never been self employed.  I have had my application accepted  for Class 3,  but a letter dated 4/1/2024 says I can change the class of NICs, even though Class 2 is going to be abolished.  I agree with you about the volume of paperwork and how difficult it is to sort it out.

molerat

Class 2 is not being abolished totally, voluntary class 2 is still in existence.

pinnks

Muffet1 said:

In the Autumn 2023 statement, the Chancellor announced that Class 2 NIC would be abolished.  I have completed CF83, I am not and have never been self employed.  I have had my application accepted  for Class 3,  but a letter dated 4/1/2024 says I can change the class of NICs, even though Class 2 is going to be abolished.  I agree with you about the volume of paperwork and how difficult it is to sort it out.

As Molerat says, voluntary Class 2 is not being abolished.  And I am not sure of the paperwork issue.  The pre-departure period is for HMRC to assess from its records and how many jobs have you had since leaving the UK?  Setting them out in a schedule is about all you need and if you meet the criteria you pay £180 compared to £907 for 2023/24 and a similar differential looking back and then for future years.  I think I work put in as much work as necessary to spend £180 to secure £302 per year in perpetuity, rather having to spend £907 to get the same return...