NZ tax refund estimator
Did you overpay PAYE last tax year? Add each of your jobs, the tax that was deducted, any donations and IETC eligibility — we'll estimate what IRD's auto-assessment is likely to land on.
Use figures from your IRD income summary or the YTD totals on your final payslip.
IRD's automatic assessment is likely to invoice you this amount, typically due by 7 February next year. Worth filing early so there are no surprises.
Your full year's income is taxed in tiers. Each bracket only applies to the dollars that land inside it — not your whole income.
| Bracket | Income in band | Tax |
|---|---|---|
| 10.5% up to $15,600 | $15,600 | $1,638 |
| 17.5% on $15,601 – $53,500 | $37,900 | $6,633 |
| 30% on $53,501 – $78,100 | $18,500 | $5,550 |
Estimate only. IRD's automatic income tax assessment is the official figure. We do not model Working for Families, student-loan reconciliation, ESCT, FIF/overseas income, or self-employed deductions beyond donations. For complex situations talk to a registered tax agent or check your assessment in myIR.
How NZ tax refunds actually work.
Every PAYE earner in New Zealand pays tax on the assumption that whatever they're earning this pay period will be what they earn for the whole year. When that assumption breaks — you change jobs, work overtime, take time off, run two jobs on flat secondary codes, donate to charity, or qualify for the Independent Earner Tax Credit — the running tally gets out of step with your true bill.
After 31 March, IRD reconciles. They take all your reported income, apply the progressive brackets to the total, subtract any credits you're entitled to, and compare it to what was already deducted. The difference is your refund or shortfall.
Refunds typically land between late May and late July if you have a bank account on file in myIR. Donations have to be claimed separately each year — they're not automatic.