alfista1

Great thank you! For sure I'm going to pay the 4 years at the lower rate class 2 before anything changes. Then another one class 3- there is one year at 795.60 - time limit 2027.(although I'm going to call first as
I do not know why I don't have more years at class 2. Seems a bit odd and random.)

alfista1

I just checked current timeframes are about 12 months!!
I posted mine last year in June - just got the letter today!

dracupg

My *very* basic understanding is that Class 2 would be if you were working full time (in UK or OZ), class 3 if you weren't. They will assume Class 3 if there are gaps in your Oz full time employment history maybe?

alfista1

[QUOTE=dracupg;13252141]My *very* basic understanding is that Class 2 would be if you were working full time (in UK or OZ), class 3 if you weren't. They will assume Class 3 if there are gaps in your Oz full time employment history maybe?[/QUOTE
If that is the case I am sure they have my years from 2018-2023 incorrectly recorded. I was in full time employment overseas but they have listed them as class 3, only the last 12 months a class 2. I did all the correct steps to inform HMRC when I left the country in 2018, paid my 12 months of NI after leaving as you have to do.

Only difference is I changed from employee to contractor but for the same company last year. This should not make any difference.
Some odd years in the past also very random - assuming it is due to a lack of information they have as I travelled.

morpeth

The rate of return one gets from paying past NIC amounts depends on how far away one is from retirement age, but as you well point out the payback is less than three years.

morpeth

Originally I received a letter out of the blue some years ago which contained a reference number which I started using- assuming they would apply the payments to the oldest years, but then called and found out I had unapplied credits- but over the phone HMRC applied the payments- but told me with a proper reference number payments for past years would be applied automatically but I had to get via phone or letter in advance of making payments. I did have two years payment was misapplied, but a phone call cleared up.

I think their default position is to assume Class 3 payments due unless the application is made for Class 2 payments made, or it is clear to them your were in class 2 position- and any gaps in employment dates, or their records as to your status prior to leaving may affect which class of payments they show as due. Rather than get caught up in some back and forth bureaucratic morass being a bit cynical I assumed rules may change in the future, so I went ahead and paid. Something must have triggered them to assume some years Class 2 and some class 3, and UK has a different tax year than some other tax jurisdictions.

tdrinker

You can now apply online and I expect it will provide the reference number.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-to...en-abroad-cf83

Pulaski

That is what they do, which is why, whenever anyone asks about making voluntary NI payments from outside the UK, I always advise that "you should apply to make Class 2 contributions".

morpeth

I agree I should have done that.

Pulaski

Pulaski knows best!

alfista1

Looking at options to call HMRC (From Uruguay). Skype calls look like a decent option.
World Skype credit - 5 USD for 165 mins. (normal landlines)
Is this a normal landline for HMRC?

Outside UK:
+ 44 191 203 7010

Pulaski

Yes. The (0)191 area code is for phone numbers in Newcastle, where the NI admin office is located.

In the UK premium (caller pays extra) phone numbers are identifiable because of their area code, which are usually in the form 08xx, e.g. 0898. That said, 0800 numbers are free to call from within the UK, though may not be accessible from outside the UK.

alfista1

Perfect thanks.

Looking at localphone also. Registered an accont with them and it says 0.6¢ / min to this number.
Daft question but it this really 0.6 cents or 0.6 USD(60 cents)?
0.6 cents seems too cheap

Pulaski

I don't know to 100% certainty, but I'd be willing to place a small bet that it is, as stated, 0.6c/ minute. I used to pay about twice that, somewhere around 1.25-1.5c/min for international calls from the US to the UK.

mrken30

I have a Tello cell phone plan and calls to the UK are included. I pay less than $10 a month for the plan. It still didn't make the wait to talk to someone any easier