NIM01445 - Class 1 structural overview: Zero-rate of contributions for Armed Forces Veterans: assessment

The examples below use the rates and thresholds that apply for the 2025 to 2026 tax year.听

Example 1

A monthly paid Veteran has earnings of 拢1,600 in May 2025. The earnings fall below the Veterans Upper Secondary Threshold (VUST).

Threshold NICs Calculation NICs Due
Primary 拢1,600 - 拢1048 = 拢552 x 8% 拢44.16
Secondary 拢1,600 - 拢417 = 拢1,183 x 0% 拢0
Total NICs Due 拢44.16

Category V should be used.

Example 2

A monthly paid Veteran has earnings of 拢6,000 in May 2025. The earnings are above the monthly Veterans Upper Secondary Threshold (VUST).

Threshold NICs Calculation NICs Due
Primary 拢4,189 - 拢1048 = 拢3,141 x 8%听 拢251.28
Primary 拢6,000 - 拢4,189 = 拢1,811 x 2% 拢36.22
Secondary 拢4,189 - 拢417 = 拢3,772 x 0%听 拢0
Secondary 拢6,000 - 拢4,189 = 拢1,811 x 15% 拢271.65
Total NICs Due 拢559.15

Category V should be used.

Example 3

A monthly paid Veteran has a 12 month relief period which ends during the tax year on 16 September 2025. They are paid 拢1,400 on 30 September 2025.

Threshold NICs Calculation NICs Due
Primary 拢1,400 - 拢1,048 = 拢352 x 8%听 拢28.16
Secondary 拢1,400 - 拢417 = 拢983 x 15% 拢147.45
Total NICs Due 拢175.61

As payment is made on 30 September 2025 and the Veteran is now no longer eligible for the zero rate of secondary NICs up to the VUST. Category letter V should not be used for this or for subsequent earnings periods.