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.
You can see National Insurance rates for past tax years.
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 between £12,570 and £50,270
- 2% on profits over £50,270
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
- people who run businesses involving land or property
- 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