New Zealand Tax Matters

New Zealand operates a self-assessment system where taxpayers are responsible for completing and filing their own tax returns if required. Employees have tax deducted from their earnings as they are paid by their employers. The tax is paid to the Government under a system known as "pay as you earn" (PAYE).

Taxpayers who derive their income from sources such as businesses, rental or investments pay tax in three instalments during the year with a fourth annual square-up payment. This is referred to as the provisional tax regime.

The tax year runs from April 1st to March 31st.

The income levels at which income tax is assessed are:

1. Individuals:

up to $14,000 the rate is 12.5%

between $14,001 and $48,000 the rate is 21%

between $48,001 and $70,000 the rate is 33%

over $70,000 the rate is 39%

2. Companies:

• All income is subject to the flat rate of 30%.