Certificate of Coverage

Hello!

Does anyone in the UK know the best way to get a certificate of coverage for NI contributions so I don't have to pay (extortionate) SS on my self-employment income? I sent a letter to the HMRC over a month ago requesting one and haven't received a reply. Does it usually take so long, or are they just ignoring me?

In the meantime, I've filed an extension until October. The beautiful simplicity of the UK tax system makes me fume with hatred every time I see an IRS tax form.

Cheers!

ETA: I shouldn't need to pay income tax to the US, as I made way under the threshold for the year.

I have had requests for HMRC to issue various other types of certificates take that long in the past, so you may just need to sit tight.

Did you send your letter recorded delivery, so you have proof when it was received, just in case you need to chase them?

Also make sure you sent it to the right address - here's a page showing the addresses in both countries for requesting certificates of coverage: http://www.ssa.gov/international/Agreement_Pamphlets/uk.html#certificate2

THANK YOU! I had sent it to completely the wrong address. The IRS wasn't particularly helpful on that point. Sigh.

Thanks again!

Does anyone in the UK know the best way to get a certificate of coverage for NI contributions so I don't have to pay (extortionate) SS on my self-employment income? I sent a letter to the HMRC over a month ago requesting one and haven't received a reply. Does it usually take so long, or are they just ignoring me?

My wife's certificate took 9 months, they did eventually send it after she chased them up so yes they take ages, but yes, they could be ignoring you as well.

David.

So I'm still waiting (after re-sending to the right address a month and a half ago). What do I do if it doesn't show up? I'm moving soon so if it arrives after next month I won't be here to get it.

Does anyone have a phone number or e-mail address I can contact? Do I just call the HMRC or someone else?

Thanks!

I was sent a letter back saying you dont need one you are registered in the UK the first time around. So I sent my paperwork back with a print out of the sheet from the SS office highlighting it - 2 weeks later I called and asked about it as I was getting ready to file US taxes. BAM I got it the next week the correct letter.

Attached is also the information

I sent this to them:
I believe there has been a mistake on processing my UK certificate of coverage and I am appealing it.
I have attached my original application showing I live and am self employed IN the UK and am applying for a certificate showing I contribute in the UK.  I am a US citizen therefore I need this certificate to attach to my US taxes.
Per the US governments website if I reside in the UK (which I do) I would request this from the Inland Revenue (which I have).  I have attempted to call and did not receive any answers except they thought I was a UK citizen and working in the UK (this is wrong).  It shows I was refused, thinking I was living abroad in the US but yet my original request on March 26th and the new form on August 4th shows I am a US citizen and self employed in the UK.
I am reattached both my original request, the form completed per the HMRC request and the website information from the US government.
Please process this certificate of coverage so I may file my US taxes at the end of this year.

good luck!
the # I called: 0044 191 2259824

I did some searching on the HMRC and DWP websites and it appears you should try contacting the National Insurance Contributions Office - International Caseworker at HMRC.

Well, I called and they have a record of receiving it, which is something! He couldn't say when it would be sent, though. Sigh.

At least I don't owe anything.

Does anyone know if I'm liable to pay anything to the IRS (a fee like the HMRC charges) if I file late, even if I don't owe anything? My extension runs out in mid-October.

The processing time is around 10-12 weeks right now, but if URGENT and marked as such, they will try to do it quicker. You need to ask for a UK/US 1. Their phone number (if anyone else needs it) is 0191 203 7010.

The quickest way to do it is via Fax: 0191 225 9570.

Does anyone know if I'm liable to pay anything to the IRS (a fee like the HMRC charges) if I file late, even if I don't owe anything? My extension runs out in mid-October.

No. The fine and interest is limited to the tax due, so if there's no tax due, there will be no fine. (This is not the case, though, for the FBAR)