Tax amount to count as qualifying year

My wife and I moved to UK from Hong Kong since 2022 Apr. We are now reporting the first tax self assessment. Since we are both unemployed in the past year, the calculated tax amounts to be paid is not that high (mainly from dividend incomes from US funds). May I know how much tax needs to be paid before it will treat as qualifying years for state pension? As we are unemployed, we can choose to pay voluntary contributions (class 3) later? Need to do so after we submit the tax self assessment forms?

Hi,

In the UK, tax and National Insurance contributions are separate although they are both collected by HMRC.  

National Insurance contributions (NIC) are what counts towards entitlement to Social Security benefits including State Pension. If you are living and not working in the UK, you may be entitled to pay voluntary NIC.  

You will need to be registered for UK National Insurance numbers if you are actively seeking employment or self-employment in the UK. You can see information about National Insurance in the UK here: 

National Insurance: introduction

You should submit your Self Assessment returns separately.

Thank you.