Cookies are small text files that are stored on your computer when you visit a website. They are mainly used as a way of improving the website functionalities or to provide more advanced statistical data.
Obtaining the National Insurance Number
Newsletter issue – August 2023
The National Insurance Number (NINO) is, perhaps, the most important number an individual will ever be allocated as it is used by many organisations for many different purposes. It is extremely important that NI history is recorded against the NINO for entitlement to some State benefits, particularly State Pension
When it comes to payroll processing, the NINO is a vital piece of ‘matching data’ for HMRC. Essentially, this unique number is used to match an employee in payroll software to an individual on HMRC’s system. Where there is a match, there is one employment record created, i.e., one employment and one employment record of HMRC’s systems. Where there is not a match, there is the possibility that HMRC will not create a single employment record, thereby resulting in a duplicate.
The important message, therefore, is that the employee should declare the NINO to the employer and the employer should make every possible effort to obtain this. This is easier said than done as, sometimes, we do not get this information in time for the first RTI submission. April’s Employer Bulletin from HMRC contained information on getting the number, aimed at both employees and employers:
Employee
Sometimes, the employee does not always have the number themselves so there are a range of options available to them:
- Try looking at HMRC / DWP correspondence and information such as previous payslips, P60s, P11Ds
- If they have never had one before, make an application
- The NINO can be viewed if they have a Personal Tax Account – if they don’t, it is good advice to register
- Use the ‘Get your National Insurance Number by post’ service
- Use the ‘Find a lost National Insurance number’ online service. Although, this requires a Government Gateway user ID and password and is only access to their Personal Tax Account anyway
- As a last resort, call HMRC on 0300 200 3500. However, the individual is likely to be referred to the above options
The intention of this article and HMRC’s advice is that the NINO is important data, not least for matching purposes on HMRC’s systems.
What our clients say about us...
"Paul has provided accountancy services to my company for 2 years now. I can recommend Paul very highly; his skills as an accountant are highly detailed and professional and he is always available to provide advice. One aspect of the way Paul works that I greatly appreciate is a preference to meet face to face when there is a detailed conversation to be had. I personally find this more productive and is a benefit of working with a small accountancy firm that you wouldn't get with the large faceless providers."
ALISTAIR FAIRWEATHER - PROGRAMME & PROJECT MANAGER, DELIVERING/RESCUING I.T. 7 BUSINESS CHANGE WITH BUDGETS UPTO £50M INC SUPPIER MANAGEMENT
"I couldn't ask for more from Paul as an Accountant. Paul has been accountant to Work Relief Charity Recruitment for just over a year now and is proving an invaluable asset. Accurate, knowledgeable, flexible with an emphasis on service delivery, I would recommend Paul's services to any organisation looking for an accounts professional."
Neil Price - Managing Director at Work Relief Charity Recruitment
"Paul was a referral from a family member when I started my business 2 years ago. As this was the first time I had ever run my own company I was totally clueless over the financial side of matters and was worried that I may have made mistakes in any of my accounting. I needn't have worried as after enaging Paul for a set monthly fee he was always there on the end of the phone for all sorts of questions I had and no matter how trivial they were Paul gave me all the information I required and more and did an excellent and painless job at the end of my first year! Couldn't ask for any better to be honest. Just two words - hire him!!!"
Lee Westrap MBCS - Director - Bulldog IT Services
Please complete our form
to request a callback
Competitive fixed quotes
for agreed services
Increase your profit and
reduce tax liabilities
Expert advice for your
business size
