Proposed NIC rise has been dropped!
As mentioned in the recent Budget, the Chancellor had intended to increase the Class 4 National Insurance Contributions (NIC). The NI rate for the self-employed (Class 4) was meant to increase from 9% to 10% in April 2018, followed by another rise to 11% in April 2019. This would have brought NIC for the self-employed more in line with the employment rate, which is currently 12%.
Today, however, the Chancellor Philip Hammond has made a complete u-turn, announcing that the government will scrap the increase. This action has been taken because many feel the change would break the manifesto promise not to increase National Insurance, Income Tax or VAT.
Chancellor Hammond has explained that “it is very important both to me and to the Prime Minister that we are compliant not just with the letter, but also the spirit of the commitments that were made. In the light of what has emerged as a clear view among colleagues and a significant section of the public, I have decided not to proceed with the Class 4 NIC measure set out in the Budget.”
This means that the 4.8 million Britons who are currently self-employed can rest assured that, for now, the Class 4 NIC rate will stay at 9%.
If you have any questions regarding this change, or any of the other changes announced in the Spring Budget, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Please note: This article is a commentary on general principles and should not be interpreted as advice for your specific situation.
