If you want to top up a National Insurance contributions (NICs) shortfall, you normally have to do this within six years of the end of the tax year for which the contributions are being paid. If you pay more than two years after the end of the relevant tax year, the rate will normally go up.
However, special terms apply for the 1996-97 to 2001-02 tax years where the time limits for the payment of voluntary Class 3 NICs were extended to 5 April 2010. This applies to customers who reach the State Pension age before 24 October 2004. You are allowed to pay Class 3 NICs contributions at their original rate provided payment is made by 5 April 2010.
If payment is received after the 5 April 2010 deadline, the NICs cannot be accepted and payment will be returned.
For further information on time limits for payment of Class 3 NICs see
When and how to top up your National Insurance contributions.
Read more about the payment methods you can use to make your payment here.
