HMRC letter codes · National Insurance (CA)
CA5601Pay self-employed National Insurance by Direct Debit
Last reviewed 14 October 2026 · How Tax Letters checks its facts
In short
GOV.UK says form CA5601 is for arranging to pay self-employed Class 2 National Insurance contributions by Direct Debit, and adds: “This only applies if you have a specific job.”
“Use form CA5601 to pay self-employed Class 2 National Insurance contributions by Direct Debit. … This only applies if you have a specific job.”
GOV.UK: Apply to pay self-employed National Insurance by Direct Debit · checked 14 October 2026
Information, not advice: this page reports what HMRC, GOV.UK and the bodies named publish about CA5601. Each fact has its source and the day it was checked beside it.
What it asks
GOV.UK says that for CA5601 you fill the form in and send it to HMRC using the address on the form.
“fill it in and send it to HMRC using the address on the form”
GOV.UK: Apply to pay self-employed National Insurance by Direct Debit · checked 14 October 2026
Time limits and rules
GOV.UK's CA5601 page says that if you live abroad and pay self-employed voluntary National Insurance, you fill in the form at the end of leaflet N138.
“If you live abroad and pay self-employed voluntary National Insurance, fill in the form at the end of leaflet N138.”
GOV.UK: Apply to pay self-employed National Insurance by Direct Debit · checked 14 October 2026
How to send it or apply
GOV.UK's CA5601 page says you can email HMRC to ask for the form in Welsh (Cymraeg).
“Email HMRC to ask for this form in Welsh (Cymraeg).”
GOV.UK: Apply to pay self-employed National Insurance by Direct Debit · checked 14 October 2026
Free help and HMRC contacts
GOV.UK's CA5601 page says you can download the form.
“You can download this form”
GOV.UK: Apply to pay self-employed National Insurance by Direct Debit · checked 14 October 2026
Free help first
These routes are described by GOV.UK, TaxAid and Citizens Advice themselves.
- HMRC's extra supportHMRC offers extra support if your health condition or personal circumstances make it difficult to contact HMRC, for example a mental health condition, financial hardship or being treated in hospital.
- Someone to deal with HMRC for youYou can authorise a friend, relative or voluntary organisation to talk to HMRC for you and help you fill in forms.
- TaxAidTaxAid helps people with tax problems who cannot pay for advice. Tax Help for Older People merged with TaxAid in July 2025.
- Citizens AdviceCitizens Advice gives confidential advice online, over the phone and in person, for free.
- GOV.UK: Apply to pay self-employed National Insurance by Direct Debit (checked 14 Oct 2026)
- GOV.UK: Get help from HMRC if you need extra support (checked 7 Oct 2026)
- GOV.UK: Appoint someone to deal with HMRC on your behalf (checked 7 Oct 2026)
- TaxAid: About us (checked 8 Oct 2026)
- Citizens Advice: About us (checked 7 Oct 2026)