Tax, benefits and finance

  • Tax

    • How to pay tax

      Some types of income have the tax taken out (deducted) before you receive it. For all other income you need to declare it to Inland Revenue and pay the tax.

    • Income you pay tax on

      When you pay tax or do a tax return you need to know what to include as income. Check to see what counts as a source of income.

    • Getting a tax refund

      Most people automatically get a tax refund if they’re owed one.

    • Changing your tax code

      If you start or stop work, remember that you may need to change the tax code you use for any other sources of income, such as NZ Superannuation, investments or another job.

    • Tax on investments and savings

      You pay tax on income from all your savings and investments, whether they're in NZ or overseas. Your tax rate is based on your income.

    • GST rate

      You pay a 15% goods and services tax (GST) on most of your purchases in New Zealand.

    • Payroll giving

      You can donate money to charities and approved organisations directly from your pay.

    • Choose the right tax code for your NZ Superannuation

      When you start getting NZ Super you might still have other sources of income. You need to make sure you’re using the correct tax code.

    • Paying tax if you come to work in NZ

      If you’re coming to NZ to work, you’ll need to pay tax.

  • Get an IRD number

    • How to get an IRD number

      It’s important to get an IRD number as all your tax, entitlements (like student loan or Working for Families Tax Credits) and personal details are linked to this number.

    • Get an IRD number for your child

      Your child will need an IRD number if they’re earning any money or interest, or if you’re applying for Working for Families or child support. If you’re having a baby, you can apply for one when you register their birth.

    • Get an IRD number for a business, charity or trust

      If you’re starting an organisation that will involve money changing hands, it’ll need its own IRD number.

  • Benefits and allowances

    • Applying for a benefit

      You need to apply for most benefits online, then meet with a case manager before your application is accepted and you start being paid.

    • What you have to do when you’re getting a benefit

      If you're getting a benefit, NZ Superannuation or a Veteran’s Pension from Work and Income, you must let them know if your contact details or circumstances change.

    • What counts as income for benefits

      When you apply to Work and Income for a benefit or allowance, and while you’re receiving it, you need to tell them if you get other income — either regular payments or a one-off.

    • Community Services Card

      A Community Services Card can reduce healthcare costs. Anyone on a low income who is aged 16 or over, a NZ citizen or permanent resident and normally lives here, can apply.

  • KiwiSaver

  • Managing your money in retirement

  • New Zealand Superannuation and the Veteran's Pension

    • Payment dates for NZ Super and Veteran’s Pension

      NZ Super and Veteran’s Pension payments are made every second Tuesday. If there’s a public holiday, payments are made earlier.

    • Applying for NZ Superannuation

      NZ Superannuation is a universal payment for New Zealand citizens and residents who are 65 or older.

    • Veteran's Pension

      If you’ve served in NZ’s Armed Forces, you may be able to get a Veteran’s Pension when you turn 65.

    • Your partner and NZ Superannuation

      How much NZ Superannuation you get paid depends on whether you have a partner and your living arrangements.

    • If you live alone

      Find out about getting NZ Superannuation or Veteran’s Pension when you’re single and live by yourself or when you’re single and share accommodation.

    • If you lived or worked overseas

      If you lived or worked in another country you may be able to get their social security pension. When you apply for NZ Superannuation or the Veteran's Pension, apply for these pensions at the same time.

    • If you live overseas now

      If you live overseas, you may be able to keep getting some or all of your New Zealand Superannuation or Veteran’s Pension.

    • If your situation changes

      If you’re getting NZ Superannuation or the Veteran’s Pension, you must let Work and Income know of changes to personal information such as your address, your relationship or your living arrangements.

    • If you travel overseas

      If you're away from NZ for 26 weeks or less, you may still receive your NZ Superannuation or Veteran's Pension.

    • If you get ACC payments and NZ Super

      You can get ACC payments and NZ Super payments at the same time, but only for 2 years.

  • SuperGold cards
  • Providing information when making financial transactions