Can you backdate class 2 eligibility?

Millie_moo_muff

Hi, I am trying to backdate my eligibility to fill some gaps with class 2 contributions.
Since 2017 I’ve done tuition in the spring term. As I earned below £1k a year I did not submit a tax return.
I never realised I would benefit by registering as self employed until now when I realise that this would have entitled me to reduced NI contributions.

I also worked across the 3 tax years 2019/2022 as an exam invigilator which I’ve discovered today also qualifies me to make voluntary class 2 for those years.  

BUT, can I backdate these? 

I have applied online to be self employed and put 2017 down as start date (hopefully not going to get inundated with self assessment forms). 

I have registered for a call back  but don’t want to be paying £880 if I can pay £180 for each missing year. 

Any advice would be helpful as I’m now wondering if I’ve left myself open to big fines and penalties.  

Dazed_and_C0nfused

Millie_moo_muff said:

Hi, I am trying to backdate my eligibility to fill some gaps with class 2 contributions.
Since 2017 I’ve done tuition in the spring term. As I earned below £1k a year I did not submit a tax return.
I never realised I would benefit by registering as self employed until now when I realise that this would have entitled me to reduced NI contributions.

I also worked across the 3 tax years 2019/2022 as an exam invigilator which I’ve discovered today also qualifies me to make voluntary class 2 for those years.  

BUT, can I backdate these? 

I have applied online to be self employed and put 2017 down as start date (hopefully not going to get inundated with self assessment forms). 

I have registered for a call back  but don’t want to be paying £880 if I can pay £180 for each missing year. 

Any advice would be helpful as I’m now wondering if I’ve left myself open to big fines and penalties.  

Probably just 3 or 4 to start with.  Not sure what will happen with the older years?