Self-employed National Insurance rates

If you’re self-employed and your profits are £12,570 or more a year, you usually pay Class 2 and Class 4 National Insurance rates.

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

How much you pay

Class	Rate for tax year 2023 to 2024
Class 2	£3.45 a week
Class 4	9% on profits between £12,570 and £50,270 2% on profits over £50,270

You can see National Insurance rates for past tax years.

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