I am 55 and was employed up to Jan 2016 as a PAYE worker.
I have a small business, so self employed since March 2017 and more or less since then have been a carer, it's become 24/7 since March 2020. I am currently applying for Carers Allowance (I know I should have done that previously - that's on me).
I recently completed tax returns for years 16-22, I was below taxable income levels for all years and had to pay PRSI for 3 years, plus €50 penalty pa. What I want to know is should I pay voluntary PRSI for the years I did not need to pay.
I have 1500+ weeks/stamps.
What benefit is there of paying, or potential issues if I don't. I phoned Social Welfare office and they didn't seem to know, or at least wouldn't tell me if I should or not. (I know you can only go back 5 years)
TIA.
PS, First time posted, long time browser.
I have a small business, so self employed since March 2017 and more or less since then have been a carer, it's become 24/7 since March 2020. I am currently applying for Carers Allowance (I know I should have done that previously - that's on me).
I recently completed tax returns for years 16-22, I was below taxable income levels for all years and had to pay PRSI for 3 years, plus €50 penalty pa. What I want to know is should I pay voluntary PRSI for the years I did not need to pay.
I have 1500+ weeks/stamps.
What benefit is there of paying, or potential issues if I don't. I phoned Social Welfare office and they didn't seem to know, or at least wouldn't tell me if I should or not. (I know you can only go back 5 years)
TIA.
PS, First time posted, long time browser.