Self-employed National Insurance rates

The class you pay depends on your profits.

You work out your profits by deducting your expenses from your self-employed income.

This guide is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).

If your profits are £6,725 or more a year

Class 2 contributions are treated as having been paid to protect your National Insurance record. This means you do not have to pay Class 2 contributions.

If your profits are more than £12,570 a year, you must pay Class 4 contributions.

For tax year 2024 to 2025 you’ll pay:

  • 6% on profits of £12,570 up to £50,270
  • 2% on profits over £50,270

You can see National Insurance rates for past tax years.

If your profits are less than £6,725 a year

You do not have to pay anything but you can choose to pay voluntary Class 2 contributions.

The Class 2 rate for tax year 2024 to 2025 is £3.45 a week.

How to pay

Most people pay Class 2 and Class 4 National Insurance through Self Assessment.

You must tell HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) when you become self-employed as a sole trader or as a partnership.

Special rules for specific jobs

Some self-employed people do not pay National Insurance through Self Assessment, but may want to pay voluntary contributions. These are:

  • examiners, moderators, invigilators and people who set exam questions
  • ministers of religion who do not receive a salary or stipend
  • people who make investments for themselves or others - but not as a business and without getting a fee or commission

If you rent out a property, check whether you need you need to pay National Insurance.

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