NI class 2

[lotsofchooksnducks]

I am so confused and HMRC are impossible to get hold off so asking on here for some advice!

I have 2 part time jobs (combined salary approx £35k and I have a little sideline self-employment which this year lost me £7k (don't ask- Covid related but I didn't qualify for any help!)

Do I need to still pay class 2 NI on the self-employment?

I obviously pay NI (class 4 I think) through my 2 PAYE jobs.

Thanks for any insight you might have!

Bumping for you. I've no idea but my gut feeling would be no if you've not made any money through self employment. Hope someone can help.

The PAYE jobs will be deducting Class 1 NI.
If your self employment profits are £6,515 or more a year, then you will pay Class 2 NI. If your self employment profits are £9569 or more a year, then you will also pay Class 4 NI.
www.gov.uk/self-employed-national-insurance-rates

As your earnings are not £59,852 or more from employments, you cannot defer NI. www.gov.uk/defer-national-insurance

As you are paying quite a lot of Class 1 NI, I would not be paying any voluntary NI if your self employment is under the threshold for Class 2. Your Class 1 NI contributions will get you the NI credits towards the things NI goes towards: www.gov.uk/national-insurance/what-national-insurance-is-for

Thanks NannyNick I do remember that class2 NI doesn't seem to get you any benefit so pointless to pay unless you have to?

Thanks NannyNick I do remember that class2 NI doesn't seem to get you any benefit so pointless to pay unless you have to?

Class 2 counts towards some things:
Basic State Pension, New State Pension.
Contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance.
Maternity Allowance.
Bereavement Support Payment.

So it's better than Class 3 (voluntary NI) but not as good as Class 1.

As you are already paying Class 1 there is no point in also paying Class 2 unless you have to due to being over threshold. If Class 1 payment was very low then maybe worth doing but in your case you have Class 1 on around £35k of income, so you will be paying quite a lot of Class 1.

@lotsofchooksnducks

Thanks NannyNick I do remember that class2 NI doesn't seem to get you any benefit so pointless to pay unless you have to?

It's the other way. It's class 4 that's just a tax and doesn't give any benefits. Class 2 counts towards state benefits such as state pension, some unemployment benefits, some sick/mat benefits etc.