New Zealand Income Tax Calculator
Calculate your PAYE, ACC earner levy, and take-home pay for the 2026/27 tax year. Includes IETC where eligible.
Income Details
Tax Breakdown (Tax Year 2026/27)
Weekly Take-Home
NZ$1,214
NZ$5,259/month · NZ$63,103/year
PAYE Tax
NZ$17,928
ACC Earner Levy
NZ$1,420
IETC Credit
NZ$0
KiwiSaver (Employee)
NZ$2,550
KiwiSaver (Employer)
NZ$2,550
Govt Contribution
NZ$521
Marginal Rate
33.0%
Effective Rate
22.76%
NZ PAYE — 2026/27 brackets
From 31 July 2024, Inland Revenue lifted the income tax thresholds. Rates for 2026/27: 10.5% up to $15,600, 17.5% to $53,500, 30% to $78,100, 33% to $180,000, and 39% above that. This was NZ's first PAYE threshold increase in 14 years.
ACC earner levy — not optional
The ACC earner levy funds no-fault personal injury cover and is deducted alongside PAYE. 2026/27 rate is an estimated 1.67% up to a maximum liable earnings cap of ~$159,362. It lands on your payslip as a separate line — you can't opt out.
IETC — $520 hidden tax credit
The Independent Earner Tax Credit is $520/year for Kiwis earning between $24,000 and $48,000 who are not receiving Working for Families or NZ Super. It abates at 13c per $1 above $44,000. Many eligible taxpayers miss this because IRD only applies it automatically with the right tax code (ME).
Secondary tax codes
If you have two jobs, the second uses a secondary code (S, SH, ST, SA) matching your expected combined-income bracket. Use the wrong code and you will either over-pay (refund at year-end) or under-pay (bill at year-end). IRD's online tool can tell you which code fits — check it every April when rates or jobs change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know, in one place.
What are the NZ tax brackets?
For 2026/27: 10.5% up to $15,600, 17.5% to $53,500, 30% to $78,100, 33% to $180,000, 39% above. Brackets were lifted on 31 July 2024 — prior to that the first threshold was $14,000.
What is the ACC earner levy?
ACC earner levy funds work-injury cover and is deducted alongside PAYE. 2026/27 estimated rate: 1.67% up to an income cap of ~$159,362. It appears on your payslip as a separate line and is not voluntary.
What is IETC and who qualifies?
Independent Earner Tax Credit — $520/year for New Zealanders earning $24,000-$48,000 who do not receive Working for Families or NZ Super. Abates at 13c per $1 above $44,000.
How is KiwiSaver calculated?
Employees contribute 3%, 4%, 6%, 8%, or 10% of gross. Employers must contribute at least 3%. Government adds 50c per $1 you contribute, up to $521.43/year if you put in $1,042.86 or more.
What tax deductions can I claim in NZ?
New Zealand has a simpler system than most countries — most salary earners cannot claim deductions. Exceptions: donations $5+ to approved charities qualify for a 33.33% tax credit (claim via IR526). Self-employed and contractors deduct business expenses (home office, vehicle, tools, insurance, depreciation) against income. Investment property owners claim mortgage interest (subject to phased limits), rates, insurance, and repairs. No deductions for uniforms, tools, or work-related expenses for PAYE employees.
When do I need to file an IR3 return?
Most NZ employees receive an auto-calculation from IRD in late May/June — no filing needed unless you have other income. You MUST file an IR3 if you received income not taxed at source (rental, self-employment, overseas, sales of non-PPOR property, dividends without RWT, foreign pensions). Due 7 July (or 31 March for tax-agent clients). Late filing penalties start at $50; ongoing interest at ~10%.
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