Registering as self-employed to pay voluntary class 2 nics for state pension

[DealorNoDeal]

Up to now we've been paying class 3 (c. £800/year) so my wife can boost her state pension.

However, I've seen it suggested that you could register as self-employed (maybe do a bit of selling on eBay, baby sitting or paid gardening) and pay the much cheaper class 2 (c. £150/year).

Sounds a bit iffy to me. Anyone else done this?

[NotAllThere]

If you live and work abroad and you paid NICs before you left, and have been working abroad every since, you can pay class 2 contributions as well - and so when retire receive a full UK state pension. How's that for dodgy?

In your case, so long as you are actually self-employed, it's not an issue.

[Lance]

Don’t be surprised if class 2 NICs are abandoned in the near future. These energy subsidies and WW3 need paying for.

[northernladuk]

In your case, so long as you are actually self-employed, it's not an issue.

(maybe do a bit of selling on eBay, baby sitting or paid gardening)

Yep it's an issue.

[NotAllThere]

Don’t be surprised if class 2 NICs are abandoned in the near future. These energy subsidies and WW3 need paying for.

Thanks for the tip. I'll pay my missing years now.