HMRC letter codes · National Insurance (CA)
CA8480Refund of self-employed National Insurance
Last reviewed 14 October 2026 · How Tax Letters checks its facts
In short
GOV.UK says to use the online service or postal form CA8480 to apply for a refund of Class 2 National Insurance contributions.
“Use the online service or postal form CA8480 to apply for a refund of Class 2 National Insurance contributions.”
GOV.UK: Apply for a refund of Class 2 National Insurance contributions · checked 14 October 2026
Information, not advice: this page reports what HMRC, GOV.UK and the bodies named publish about CA8480. Each fact has its source and the day it was checked beside it.
What it asks
GOV.UK says that to apply for a refund by post, you fill in form CA8480, then print and post it to HMRC using the postal address shown on the form.
“Fill in form CA8480. Print and post it to HMRC, using the postal address shown on the form.”
GOV.UK: Apply for a refund of Class 2 National Insurance contributions · checked 14 October 2026
Time limits and rules
GOV.UK's CA8480 page says a refund of voluntary Class 2 National Insurance contributions may affect your entitlement to State Pension and other benefits.
“A refund of voluntary Class 2 National Insurance contributions may affect your entitlement to State Pension and other benefits.”
GOV.UK: Apply for a refund of Class 2 National Insurance contributions · checked 14 October 2026
GOV.UK says you can apply by post with CA8480 if you are an agent or you cannot apply online.
“You can apply by post if you are an agent or you cannot apply online.”
GOV.UK: Apply for a refund of Class 2 National Insurance contributions · checked 14 October 2026
GOV.UK's CA8480 page says you should apply within 6 years of the tax year you are claiming for, and that after 6 years you will need to include reasons for your late application.
“You should apply within 6 years of the tax year you’re claiming for. … If you apply after 6 years, you will need to include reasons for your late application when you apply.”
GOV.UK: Apply for a refund of Class 2 National Insurance contributions · checked 14 October 2026
How to send it or apply
GOV.UK's CA8480 page says you can apply online, that you will need to sign in (creating sign in details if you do not have them), and that you will get a reference number to track the progress of your form.
“You’ll need to sign in to apply online. If you do not already have sign in details, you’ll be able to create them. You will get a reference number that you can use to track the progress of your form.”
GOV.UK: Apply for a refund of Class 2 National Insurance contributions · checked 14 October 2026
Free help and HMRC contacts
GOV.UK's CA8480 page says that if you need further help you can contact HMRC.
“Contact HMRC if you need further help.”
GOV.UK: Apply for a refund of Class 2 National Insurance contributions · 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 for a refund of Class 2 National Insurance contributions (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)