HMRC gives two different amounts for how much to pay for voluntary NI contributions - help!

Hello. I currently do not live in the UK and I pay voluntary NI contributions (class 2) each year. Typically, I call HMRC and they give me the amount to pay for the following year, then, when next year rolls around I send the amount via bank transfer. I've been doing this for three years or so now. However, this year, I sent the money, then got a letter through the post stating a different amount which was for the years 2021 - 2023. This makes me wonder what happened to the money I sent to them each year from 2021 onwards via bank transfer already(I have payment receipts) - is it a system error? I also just want a way to easily find out how much I have to pay each year. I have tried calling, over and over to get this information, but I never get through to anyone to help me and my credit balance on my phone runs out after being on hold for 30 minutes or longer because I am calling outside of the UK. How can I find out the definitive amount I currently need to pay? Do I need to send HMRC a letter (in 2023!) and wait months for a reply back? Regards.

Hi Ian Walker,

You can apply to pay voluntary abroad National Insurance Contributions (NICs) by reading the information at the following link:
Social Security abroad: NI38
You can use the CF83 application held within this information link.  
You can choose to pay annually or by direct debit if you still have a UK bank account.
If you have a valid UK Passport or Driving licence you may wish to register for a personal tax account this will show information on your
NI record and also provide your UK state pension forecast.
If you cannot register for a personal tax account you can use the following link:
Pensions and ageing society - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
You will need to write into International Caseworker section for an investigation if you think your payments are not showing on your NI record.
The address to write to is:
PT Operations North East England
HM Revenue and Customs,
BX9 1AN

Thank you.
 

Hello. I have already set this up, that's why I get letters from HMRC each year. My question is how can I easily know how much to pay each year and why does it seem like the money I sent each year, according to the latest letter, has not been utilised on my account? Looks like I have to send a letter - how long until I get a reply? Regards.

Hi Ian Walker,

Unfortunately – without checking your records, it would be difficult to advise why the payment hasn’t been updated yet.
There could be a number of factors as to what has happened which we would not be able to investigate via a query on this platform.
I would also be unable to provide you with our current timescales – as this will depend on which part of the world you are in, as different countries are actioned by different departments. 
The following link may help to check when you can expect an update.
Check when you can expect a reply from HMRC

Thank you.