NI contribution

[andthere]

hello

I am 27 and new to UK. I have just started working here since begining of January. I earn upwards of 35K.
I was wondering if I have to pay NI as I don't intend to claim state pension or rely on it after I turn 65.

If at all, I do have to pay NI, I heard that you can legally avoid NI until just before the retirement age and pay it all at once.

I would appreciate if you can answer both of my queries. Thanks.

[mullet]

You have to pay NICs as a UK employee. It's not just about pensions, NICs go towards schools and hospitals etc. Apparently. HMRC guidance: When you come to work in the UK you have to register for a National Insurance number and immediately start paying National Insurance contributions in the UK on the same basis as other people who normally live and work here. Source http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/nic/work/ni-uk.htm

If at all, I do have to pay NI, I heard that you can legally avoid NI until just before the retirement age and pay it all at once.

Never heard of that one, sounds like a story from the ubiquitous man down the pub.

[andthere]

Thanks. I do have an NI number and I have already started paying NI, hence the question.

Actually it was from one of the guys already working there. He said he had spoken to someone at HMRC after
he received a letter from them.