NIC record: "Full year" vs "You did not make any contributions this year"

My NIC record for each of the past 3 years shows "full year" and underneath (when you view details) "You did not make any contributions this year". This feels contradictory. It is also very worrying. I will really need my state pension in the future. The context is that I have been a director of my own company, with NICs being paid via the company. I have recently retired early. In addition, my NIC record shows 34 years of full contributions which I am happy with. Can anyone explain the contradiction and if I need to do anything?

Hi,

Without specific details, we can only give general advice.

Company directors

We work out the amount due based on an annual earnings period. This is because without an annual earnings period National Insurance contributions for directors can be limited if they get all or most of their annual earnings paid in one week or month.

However, a individuals earnings could give them a qualifying year even if they did pay any Class 1 National Insurance contributions.  

We would suggest to write to HMRC giving further details which would be required for a full response.

Thank you.