National Insurance Contributions
National Insurance Contributions 2025/26 (Table D)
| Class 1 (Employees) | Employee | Employer |
|---|---|---|
| Main NIC rate | 8% | 15% |
| No NIC on first | £242pw | £96pw |
| Main rate charged up to* | £967pw | no limit |
| 2% rate on earnings above | £967pw | N/A |
| Employment allowance per qualifying business | N/A | £10,500 |
*Nil rate of employer NIC on earnings up to £967pw for employees aged under 21, apprentices aged under 25 and ex-armed forces personnel in their first twelve months of civilian employment.
Employer contributions (at 15%) are also due on most taxable benefits (Class 1A) and on tax paid on an employee’s behalf under a PAYE settlement agreement (Class 1B).
Class 2 (Self employed)
| Flat rate per week if profits below £6,845 (voluntary) | £3.50 |
Class 3 (Voluntary)
| Flat rate per week | £17.75 |
Class 4 (Self employed)
| On profits £12,570 – £50,270 | 6% |
| On profits over £50,270 | 2% |
Employees with earnings above £125pw and the self-employed with annual profits over £6,845 (or who pay voluntary Class 2 contributions) can access entitlement to contributory benefits.