Which Class contributions do I pay - Class 2 or 3?

thenap80

I left UK about 6 years ago, living in Sweden now Switzerland. I am from UK and worked there for many years before leaving - paid about 15 years of NI contributions in full so far. 

I am not employed or self employed abroad - stay at home dad!

If I want to pay NI contributions on a voluntary basis, I can't see which Class I would be paying - 2 or 3. HMRC website is unclear as it says I pay either! Big difference in price though. One is like £3.45 a week and other about £17 a week. 

Anyone have an idea for me?  

TadleyBaggie

You would have to be registered as self-employed to pay class 2 contributions.

molerat

You can only pay class 2 if you in some kind of employment, class 3 otherwise.

thenap80

I was a landlord up until last year when i sold up. I was doing a self assessment etc. Does this entite me to CLASS 2?

molerat

I assume you were a "hobby landlord" renting out one property, if so then no.  You need to be "gainfully employed" with more than one property.

https://www.gov.uk/renting-out-a-property/paying-tax

thenap80

One property yes - hobby then i guess! So are you saying i need to pay Class 3 most likely yes?

molerat

Class 3 is your most likely only option but HMRC are the only ones that can make that judgement - but I say they will state the same - and the only way to find out is to submit a CF83 Social Security abroad: NI38 - GOV.UK

For years 2018-19 and earlier that application window closes on 5 Apr.

lemonpress

If you are currently abroad and not working, voluntary contributions would be class 3.  But if at some point you were abroad and working, a mix of class 2 and 3 might be possible.. You need to fill in the form mentioned and wait for HMRC to pronounce on the class 2/3 status of individual years. 

pinnks

TadleyBaggie said:

You would have to be registered as self-employed to pay class 2 contributions.

That is not correct for those wishing to pay voluntary NI for periods abroad but, you need to have been employed or self-employed in the UK until immediately before you left and for any week you wish to pay at Class 2, you must have been employed or self-employed abroad.

As OP is not working abroad then it will only Class 3, unless the Class 2 door is open and in the future he starts working, then Class 2 would become available.

pinnks

molerat said:

You can only pay class 2 if you in some kind of employment, class 3 otherwise.

That is not correct if you are paying from abroad. The stipulation is simply employed or self-employed.

molerat

pinnks said:

molerat said:

You can only pay class 2 if you in some kind of employment, class 3 otherwise.

That is not correct if you are paying from abroad. The stipulation is simply employed or self-employed.

I believe "some kind of employment" covers both employed and self employed as opposed to unemployed