OK, firstly I apologise if this seems a stupid question. I have always been employed and am just a bit financially challenged (my eyes glaze over when I read any financial documents).
I have spent all morning speaking to someone at HMRC and reading the gov.uk website and STILL don't know the answer. So, I thought I would come on here and some kind soul might be able to advise me.
I am going to do some work from home for my old company. However, I will have to invoice (and so register as self-employed). That's fine. I see there is a box I can add in if they are the sole company I work for. My confusion is regarding whether to apply for the Certificate of Small Earnings. I will almost definitely earn below the amount required for NI. I am not going to have any more children so the maternity allowance doesn't affect me. My main concern is with pension credits. I worked in Germany for 5 years so didn't pay "stamp" for that time and feel I need to catch up. I have tried to get a pension statement but the website gave an error message.
So, I see there is Class 2 and Class 4 and am getting very confused! Can anyone please give a dummies guide for me? (I am glad to say that I am much more competent at my daily job 
)