Income tax rates 2026–27
| Taxable income | Rate | Tax |
|---|---|---|
| Up to $15,600 | 10.5% | 10.5% of income |
| $15,601 to $53,500 | 17.5% | $1,638 plus 17.5% of income over $15,600 |
| $53,501 to $78,100 | 30% | $8,270.50 plus 30% of income over $53,500 |
| $78,101 to $180,000 | 33% | $15,650.50 plus 33% of income over $78,100 |
| Over $180,000 | 39% | $49,277.50 plus 39% of income over $180,000 |
These rates have applied since 31 July 2024. Each rate applies only to the part of your income in that band, and there is no tax-free threshold.
ACC earners' levy
The ACC earners' levy pays for accident cover outside work. In 2026–27 it's 1.75% of your earnings (including GST) up to $156,641, so the most anyone pays is $2,741.22. Employers deduct it as part of PAYE. From 1 April 2027 it rises to 1.83% on earnings up to $160,244.
Independent earner tax credit (IETC)
The IETC is $520 a year ($10 a week) for people earning $24,000 to $66,000. Above that it falls by 13 cents for each dollar, reaching nothing at $70,000. You can't get it if you or your partner receive Working for Families, or if you get a main benefit or NZ Super. To get it through your pay, use tax code ME (or ME SL with a student loan).
KiwiSaver
- Your contributions: 3.5%, 4%, 6%, 8%, 10% of your pay, with 3.5% the default from 1 April 2026. You can apply to pay 3% for 3 to 12 months at a time.
- Your employer: at least 3.5% of your pay on top of your salary, less employer superannuation contribution tax (ESCT).
- From 1 April 2028: the default employee and employer rates rise to 4%.
| Salary plus employer contributions | ESCT rate |
|---|---|
| Up to $18,720 | 10.5% |
| $18,721 to $64,200 | 17.5% |
| $64,201 to $93,720 | 30% |
| $93,721 to $216,000 | 33% |
| Over $216,000 | 39% |
Student loan repayments
With a student loan, you repay 12 cents for every dollar you earn over $24,128 a year from your main job. The threshold has been frozen at this level.
See your own take-home pay with the PAYE calculator.