"I have a letter saying I am Class 2 but the website says Class 3?"

Contradiction in letter from HMRC- I received letter from HMRC in response to my submitted CF83 which confirms ‘we have looked at the information in your application and have decided that you can pay voluntary Class 2 NICS by annual payment’ however on the next page under a heading Voluntary NICs Shortfall, the table says Class 3 NIC Shortfall rates and the figure for each year missing is £824.50. Has anyone come across this and how did they deal with it.

This comes up repeatedly.

The website defaults to Class 3.

But if you have a letter saying you are Class 2, you are Class 2.

Only pay the Class 2 rate.

FWIW I received two separate letters, one laying out Class 2 contributions per year and another with Class 3 contributions for select years (incorrectly). I made my payment based on the class 2 contributions (for 17 years) and it has been confirmed (after 10 months).

Slightly different to you I know, but you could try either contacting them initially for clarification, or else making payment for x number of class 2 contributions and then follow up to confirm allocation years.

The website does default to class 3 when you first register; it will (eventually) update when you are validated as class 2.

Getting a letter that is contradictory (confirmed as class 2, but next page shows class 3) is new; I'm pretty sure a process error.

I'd recommend paying the Class 2, but write a letter back pointing out the mistake, advising you are paying Class 2 and asking for an update. Keep a copy and send by recorded delivery

This is much to ensure you have a paper trail in the event of future dispute.