UK self-employed NI contributions

question for self-employed UK boyfriend. 

he recieved his 2006-2007 tax form... and included was some NI paperwork.  it says that the min contribution he can make is £2.80.  The voluntary contribution is £8.20.  (weekly).

what's the difference?  he's been paying only the minimum contribution for 2 years.  will this effect his pension later in life?

Yes, it will.  If he makes contributions which are lower than the £8.20 then when he comes to retire he will find that he does not receive the maximum state pension.  However, if he does not want to pay the £8.20 per week at the moment, he can pay the minimum and then make up any shortfall at a later stage.

Vicky

how can we find out his shortfall thus far?

He can call or write to the tax office - the number will be on the form.

Vicky