Where taxpayers may have a chequered history in respect of making National Insurance Contributions, having periods of employment and self employment or are now taking dividends as apposed to NICable salary, they should ensure that they are making sufficient contributions to keep them within the basic state scheme. Taxpayers can make inquiries online for a pension forecast, (http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Diol1/DoItOnline/DG_4017970) which should keep them up-to-date with what contributions they need to make to maintain their state entitlements and also allow them to review their positions generally to ensure they are making adequate provision for retirement needs.