One more year of NI to pay

Martyn_H

This might be a silly question but I'm trying to phone HMRC about plugging the remaining 1 year gap in my NI record as I was contracted out for many years before retiring. As I know the amount I have to pay and already have the 18 digit payment reference from last year when I paid off all the underpaid years except 2022-2023, is it necessary to phone HMRC to advise them that I'm plugging that year? I don't want to pay them over £800 and have them wondering what to do with it.

Thank you.

TadleyBaggie

I believe the reference number is tied to specific years and once used won't be valid. As an alternative you can send a cheque with a covering letter detailing the year to be paid.

p00hsticks

I believe the 18 digit reference enables them to link up to your request for what years you wanted to pay, so if you were given it for other years then I'm not sure that it's re-usable.  
Are you close to State Retirement Age ? If not ,then it might be worth hanging on until they bring in a system to allow you to pay for missing years directly online, which I think they have promised to have in place by the end of the year.....

Martyn_H

I'm due to retire in 2025 but would prefer to pay the current stamp price as I imagine it will be dearer after this April.

molerat

22-23 will remain at the current price until 5 April 2025.

Years remain at the original in year price for 2 years after the end of the year after which they increase to the current year price.

Silvertabby

Don't leave it too long - it's much easier (meaning  quicker) for DWP to apply your 
 top-up contribution before you reach SPA, instead of having to faff about re-calculating your pension after it's been brought into payment.

Martyn_H

molerat said:

22-23 will remain at the current price until 5 April 2025.

Years remain at the original in year price for 2 years after the end of the year after which they increase to the current year price.

I downloaded the HMRC app and it confirms what you said.