The new tax year is just around the corner but you still have a few weeks to get your finances in order before the current one is up.

One thing to check is your National Insurance (NI) years, as the number of years you’ve paid NI may have a direct impact on whether you qualify for the State Pension and how much you’ll get.  You can check your NI record here.

If you have a shortfall in NI years and have some cash going spare, you could decide to make up lost time and buy more years. Until 5 April 2023 you can buy NI years going back to 2006, after that you will only be able to go back six years. So if you have any gaps in the past, now may be the time to pay extra before you lose the opportunity.

You may have gaps in your record if you were:

• working but for a small wage
• unemployed and were not claiming benefits
• self-employed but did not pay contributions because of small profits
• living or working outside the UK

The deadline for paying any voluntary NI contributions is 5 April each year, so hurry up if you are thinking of making up the shortfall.  

Check your NI record and learn about voluntary NI payments on the government’s website.