NIM10067 - Aggregation of earnings: calculation and recording: NICs due at main rate: same earnings period

All examples on this page use the 2020 to 2021 rates and earnings bands. National Insurance Contributions (NICs) are worked out using the exact percentage method.

When calculating aggregated NICs, NICs are worked out on the total earnings using the shortest earnings period.

Employee’s NICs are worked out at:

the main percentage rate on any earnings above the Primary Threshold (PT) up to and including the Upper Earnings Limit (UEL)

the additional percentage on earnings which exceed the UEL

Employer’s contributions are worked out at the main secondary percentage rate on earnings which exceed the Secondary Threshold (ST).

Example

An employee earns £600 per week from one job, and £400 per week from another. Total earnings are £1,000 per week and the earnings period is weekly.

NICs type NICs due Table letter
Employee’s NICs £94.24 A
Employer’s NICs £114.68 A

Recording the NICs due on Real Time Information (RTI)

Payroll software only records category letters where NICs is paid on earnings between the Lower Earning Limit (LEL) and the UEL. The figures will be recorded under contribution Table letter A. The entries on RTI for week 1 of 2020 to 2021 will be as follows.

Week 1
Data item Description  
79 NI category A
79A Gross earnings for NICs year to date £1,000
79B Gross earnings for NICs pay period £1,000
82 Earnings at the LEL year to date £120
82A Earnings at LEL to PT year to date £63
169 Earnings PT to UEL year to date £779
86A Employer NICs year to date £114.68
86Aa Employer NICs this pay period £114.68
86B Employee NICs year to date £94.24
86Ba Employee NICs this period £94.24
49 Aggregated earnings indicator Yes