Defer Paying Class 1 National Insurance on a Second Job

Employees with more than one job who want to understand why National Insurance deductions may differ across employments and whether deferment may apply.

Explaining how Class 1 National Insurance works when you have a second job, why overpayments can occur, and how deferment operates in practice.

Where an individual has more than one employment, National Insurance is normally calculated separately for each job. This can result in higher overall National Insurance deductions than necessary unless deferment applies. Understanding the rules helps avoid unnecessary overpayment and later adjustments.

When You Can Pay Reduced NIC Across More Than One Job

If you have 2 jobs, over the tax year you’ll need to earn:

• £967 or more per week from one job over the tax year.
• £242 or more per week in your second job

If you have more than 2 jobs, over the tax year you’ll need to earn:

• £1,209 or more per week from 2 of those jobs
• £242 or more per week in your other jobs

This deferral could result in NIC deductions at a reduced rate of 2% on your weekly earnings between £242 and £967 in one of your jobs, instead of the standard rate of 8%.

If you are allowed to defer, HMRC will inform you which employer is your main one for full Class 1 National Insurance contributions and which employers you can pay at the reduced 2% rate, sending those employers a certificate of deferment. HMRC does not share information about your other jobs with your employers.

Class 1 National Insurance and Multiple Jobs

Class 1 National Insurance contributions apply to employment income and are deducted through PAYE.

When you have more than one job, each employer must calculate National Insurance independently, without reference to earnings from your other employment.

This means that total National Insurance paid across all jobs can exceed what would normally be due based on overall earnings.

Why National Insurance Can Be Overpaid

Overpayment can arise because:

• Each job applies National Insurance thresholds separately
• Earnings from multiple employments are not combined during the tax year
• PAYE does not automatically account for total income across jobs

This is a common issue for individuals with a second job or multiple employments.

Deferring Class 1 National Insurance

Where total earnings are high enough, it may be possible to apply to defer paying Class 1 National Insurance on a second job.

Key points include:

• Deferment is not automatic
• An application must be made to HMRC
• HMRC must approve the deferment

Deferment changes how National Insurance is collected during the tax year. It does not remove the liability entirely.

How Deferment Works in Practice

In practice:

• Employees may notice lower National Insurance deductions on a second job once deferment is applied
• Employers must operate payroll in line with HMRC deferment instructions
• National Insurance is reviewed as part of the year-end reconciliation

Any remaining National Insurance due is dealt with after the end of the tax year.

Risks and Consequences

If deferment is not applied for where eligible:

• National Insurance may be overpaid during the year
• Adjustments may be required following HMRC review
• Refunds or corrections may only be processed after the tax year ends

These are administrative consequences rather than penalties, but they can affect cash flow.

When to Seek Advice

Deferment is not relevant in all cases. Advice may be helpful where:

• • You have more than one job, and deductions appear unusually high
  • There is uncertainty over whether deferment applies
  • Payroll treatment following HMRC approval is unclear