HMRC Announces National Insurance Changes with April Deadline
HMRC has issued a significant announcement regarding National Insurance changes ahead of the April deadline. Speaking in the Commons last week, Treasury minister Dan Tomlinson provided an update on the matter, addressing concerns raised by Labour Party MP Juliet Campbell.
Parliamentary Inquiry and Response
In a written question to Chancellor Rachel Reeves, MP Juliet Campbell inquired about the service teams handling A1 certification applications and when processing times might return to standard levels. This followed reports in October 2025 of seven-month delays for these applications.
Mr Tomlinson responded on behalf of the Government, stating, "HMRC recognises how important it is for customers to receive their A1 certificates promptly and is strengthening the service to support this." He confirmed that additional National Insurance advisers are being trained to increase capacity, with efforts ramping up by April.
Service-Level Agreements and Application Details
The service-level agreement for A1 certificates aims to process 80 percent of online applications within 15 working days and 80 percent of postal applications within 40 working days. Mr Tomlinson noted, "HMRC has implemented a plan to stabilise performance and expects to meet its SLAs by the end of the tax year."
Customers are encouraged to apply online for faster processing, as online applications are quicker to handle. Applications can be filed through the Government website, but they cannot be submitted more than 12 months in advance of working abroad. When signing in to use the service, users may need to verify their identity with photo ID, such as a passport or driving licence.
Importance of A1 Certificates
These certificates are crucial for individuals who are self-employed and working in EU countries, the European Economic Area, or Switzerland, as they confirm that UK National Insurance contributions will be paid. The update aims to ensure timely processing and support for those affected by the changes.
