Government scraps delayed NIC tax cut for self-employed

'Sensible move'

Tom Ellis
clock • 2 min read

The government has scrapped its already-delayed plans to give the self-employed a National Insurance contribution (NIC) tax break.

The move follows analysis from the Treasury that found around 300,000 self-employed people making less than £6,000 a year would have had to pay five times more in pension contributions than they already do. Labour shadow Chancellor John McDonnell had called the move "another betrayal of the self-employed". The new bill had been set to scrap Class 2 NICs, where those who are self-employed and earning below the small profits threshold of £6,025 can pay a weekly rate of £2.85 in order to receive state pension entitlements.  Under the proposed rules, which were set to be introduced in ...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Tax planning

Burnham U-turns on income tax allowance increase suggestion – reports

Burnham U-turns on income tax allowance increase suggestion – reports

Any change would be ‘difficult given the financial circumstances’

Isabel Baxter
clock 22 July 2026 • 2 min read
The pension IHT guidance gap and what advisers should do about it

The pension IHT guidance gap and what advisers should do about it

Full operational guidance won't arrive until spring 2027

Nick Henshaw
clock 21 July 2026 • 3 min read
Chancellor John Healey urged to prioritise tax clarity and stability

Chancellor John Healey urged to prioritise tax clarity and stability

Sixth chancellor in just over four years

Jen Frost
clock 21 July 2026 • 3 min read