The Health and Social Care Levy announced on 7 September 2021 of 1.25% was due to come into effect in 2022/2023 alongside an increase in National Insurance contributions (NICs).
The Health and Social Care Levy has now been abolished and the Government is also removing the associated 1.25 percentage point increase in NICs from 6 November 2022.
Employers will need to make sure that they update their payroll software in time for this third change in NIC rates and bandings in 2022/23! In the case of NIC rates which apply annually, transitional rates will apply to deal with the mid tax-year change. In particular,
- Class 1 employee NIC rates that apply annually (including for company directors) will be set at a main rate of 12.73% and an additional rate of 2.73% for 2022/23.
- Class 1A NICs on taxable and expenses (if not paid monthly through the payroll) will be set at 14.53% for 2022/23. The same applies to Class 1B NICs for PAYE Settlement Agreements.
- Class 4 NICs paid by self-employed individuals will be set at a main rate of 9.73% and an additional rate of 2.73% for 2022/23.