Herr Steuermann

Hello. I am like the original poster in that I am paying voluntary Class 2 contributions from abroad. But I am also paying voluntary Class 3 contributions from abroad. This covers the whole period from 2006 to 2024 (I had three years in the UK in the middle, hence the combination of two different classes). I have two questions: 1. The HMRC website says that I can pay Class 2 contributions from a UK bank account: Sort code – 08 32 20 Account number – 12001004 Account name – HMRC NIC Receipts Reference number to use: Use your National Insurance number followed by ‘IC’, your surname then your initial. If your bank limits you to a certain number of characters, you should use your National Insurance number followed by ‘IC’ and as much of your surname as possible. So I do not need an 18-digit number, correct? I just want to check, as I am very pedantic over money matters. Is all the above good and well? 2. Class 3: this is where it gets harder. When you go to the link I was given in my letter (sent to me abroad): https://www.gov.uk/pay-voluntary-class-3-national-insurance/pay-online-using-bank-account I am told: "You’ll need: your online banking details the 18-digit reference number on your HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) payment request". When I press on the link to go and pay, it immediately asks "What is your Class 3 National Insurance reference number? This is 18 digits and begins with 60..." So do I need to get an 18-digit number specially for the "Class 3" years? I am talking here also about paying for shortfall years (specifically from 2006 to 2017).