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Wondering how much Class 4 National Insurance you need to pay? We can help you out. Keep reading for all the key info on what Class 4 National Insurance is and how you should pay it.
National Insurance goes towards a range of state-provided benefits.
National Insurance Contributions (NICs) also determine how much state pension you’re entitled to when you retire, so it’s worth keeping up to date with your record.
Although National Insurance is a mandatory tax to pay, you can make voluntary contributions when you’re self-employed to ensure you secure the full state pension. Then there’s your National Insurance number (NNI) – the elusive gift on your 16th birthday.
As well as being part of your identity data, your NNI is used to track and record your NI contributions.
National Insurance is slightly different for self-employed and employed people. There are different classes to be aware of, all paid by different people.
National Insurance rates in the 2025/26 tax year 👇
| NI class | Who pays? | How much? |
| Class 1 | Employees earning over £12,570 | 8% on earnings between £242 and £967 per week
2% if you earn £967+ per week |
| Class 1A/1B | Employers | 15% |
| Class 3 | Voluntary contributions | £17.75 per week |
| Class 4 | Self-employed earning over £12,570 | 6% on profits between £12,570-£50,270
2% on profits over £50,270 |
Most people pay National Insurance through their Self Assessment tax return bill. It’s probably the simplest way to pay, but if you’re unsure how to do this, check out this guide for step-by-step instructions.
In terms of how you physically pay the bill, there are multiple options:
When you’re self-employed, you have to pay your National Insurance contributions yourself in your annual Self Assessment, together with any income tax you might owe.
You pay no NI contributions on the first £12,570 that you make.
You will also have to pay £2,126 (6%) on your income between £12,570 and £48,000.
Of course! Our accredited accounts can file your self assessment tax return in just 48 hours. National insurance contributions and all.
Find out more about our service here.
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Or see our Guides, Calculators or Taxopedia
