Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Business

Taxpayers given until 5 April to boost state pension via National Insurance top-ups

Taxpayers have until 5 April 2025 to make voluntary National Insurance Contributions dating back to 2006 to boost their state pension. Experts advise checking your NI record now.

Taxpayers have until 5 April 2025 to take advantage of a limited-time opportunity to top up their state pension by making backdated National Insurance Contributions (NICs), according to leading audit, tax and advisory firm Blick Rothenberg.

The government previously extended the deadline to allow individuals to fill in gaps in their NIC records for any tax year from 2006 onwards. Ordinarily, taxpayers can only make voluntary contributions for the past six tax years.

Robert Salter, Director at Blick Rothenberg, said the extension offers a vital opportunity for those with incomplete contribution histories. “This easement is designed to help ensure that people who have missing NIC histories — perhaps due to time spent living overseas or caring for children without claiming child benefit — can still make voluntary contributions to maximise their future state pension.”

A full state pension typically requires 35 qualifying years of NICs. While many UK residents achieve this automatically through employment or benefit claims, others — such as those who have worked abroad, been self-employed and paid via dividends, or earned income from property — may fall short and could benefit from making voluntary top-ups.

Salter cautioned, however, that “voluntary contributions won’t be appropriate for everyone. There is no one-size-fits-all answer.” He advised individuals to first review their own NIC records and state pension forecasts to make an informed decision.

How to check your state pension entitlement:

Rather than calling HMRC — which could result in long wait times — Salter recommends the following options:

  • Use the HMRC app: Once downloaded, this allows users to check their National Insurance record and state pension forecast. Download the HMRC app – GOV.UK
  • Check your state pension forecast online: Check your State Pension forecast – GOV.UK
  • Request a call back:

    If you’re unable to get through by phone, you can complete a form to request a call back from HMRC. Request a call back to pay voluntary National Insurance contributions – GOV.UK

While a response from HMRC by the 5 April deadline is unlikely, Salter notes that officials are expected to act pragmatically. “If you complete the call-back request before the deadline, HMRC may allow you additional time to decide whether to proceed with a top-up.”

With the deadline fast approaching, those with gaps in their National Insurance record are urged to act quickly to assess their eligibility and potentially enhance their retirement income.

Read more:
Taxpayers given until 5 April to boost state pension via National Insurance top-ups

Advertisement

    You May Also Like

    Business

    After a car accident, navigating legal decisions can feel overwhelming—especially when you’re juggling medical bills, missed work, and unanswered questions. This is why calling...

    Business

    The UK’s £8 billion-a-year R&D tax credit scheme is facing a major shake-up as the government moves to tackle widespread fraud and error while...

    Business

    Elon Musk has announced an $80 billion merger of his artificial intelligence venture xAI with social media platform X, formerly Twitter, in a move...

    Business

    It starts as momentum. Orders come in, teams expand, and your product line stretches into exciting new territories. For a time, growth feels like...