Understanding Class 1A National Insurance Contributions
Class 1A National Insurance contributions are employer-only charges levied on most taxable benefits in kind. Unlike Class 1 NIC (which applies to cash earnings), Class 1A NIC applies to non-cash benefits provided to employees and directors, such as company cars, private medical insurance, and living accommodation.
The Class 1A NIC rate for 2025/26 and 2024/25 is 13.8%. This is applied to the total taxable value of all benefits as reported on employees' P11D forms. The employer calculates and pays this charge — employees do not pay Class 1A NIC, though they pay income tax on the benefit value via their tax code adjustment.
How to Calculate Class 1A NIC
The calculation is straightforward: multiply the total P11D benefits value by 13.8%. For example, if you provide benefits totalling £10,000 in taxable value, your Class 1A NIC liability is £1,380. This must be reported on form P11D(b) and paid by 19 July (or 22 July for electronic payment).