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Tax Codes - The Definitive New Zealand Guide

Our guide explains what tax codes are, how you can work out yours and where to go for the most up-to-date information. In addition, we highlight must-know facts and frequently asked questions.
Updated 24 December 2023

Summary
  • The uncertainty regarding correctly calculating taxes has been stressful for many New Zealanders. One of the first steps in calculating taxes is to pick the right tax code.
  • Tax codes can seem unimportant, especially in contrast to tax rates. However, your tax code can significantly impact the take-home pay you receive. That's why ensuring you're on the correct tax code is so important. Unfortunately, thousands of New Zealanders are blindsided with a hefty tax bill every year due to using the wrong tax code per this 2022 Stuff.co.nz article.
  • Tax codes can be incredibly complicated. Everyone’s tax code will be different, whether you’re a full or part-time employee, whether you have a student loan from university, whether you have a sole or secondary income, whether you get a pension or income-tested benefit, and so on.

To help you navigate tax codes, our guide covers:
If you're unsure about using the IRD tax code questionnaire, our video below walks you through what you need to know:

What are Tax Codes, and What Does My Tax Code Mean?

When starting any New Zealand job with a salary, your organisation will ask you to fill out an IR 330 form. It asks for your name, IRD number and tax code, among other things. Each income source (such as a job or a government pension) will have a different tax code. Many tax codes exist, such as M, S, M SL, CAE, NSW, and SB - we explain the main tax codes below. These tax codes correspond to a specific situation so that the Inland Revenue (IRD) taxes you at the correct rate. Unfortunately, these tax codes aren't explained very well, and many New Zealanders can incorrectly put them in as their tax code.

How do I find my tax code?

If you don't know your tax code, don't worry. To cut through this uncertainty, the IRD has created an easy diagram to determine what tax code applies to your unique situation. This diagram is attached to the IR 330 form detailed above, which you can find on the IRD's website. The IR 330 form identifies and declares which tax code you will be on during your employment.

What are the main types of tax codes?

Below are examples of some of the most popular tax codes in New Zealand:

Main Source of Income: “M”

One of the most frequent tax codes in New Zealand is the M code. This tax code is likely to apply if the job that you're on (and that you're filling an IR 330 form for) meets the following criteria:
  • The job in question is your main/highest source of income.
  • Your annual earnings will not likely fall between NZD 24,000 and NZD 48,000.
  • You do not need to pay off a New Zealand student loan.
  • You are not entitled to Working for Families, Tax Credits, NZ Super, Veterans Pension, or equivalent overseas benefits.

If all four criteria are met, your tax code will be “M”.

Secondary Source of Income: “S”

If you’re filling out an IR 330 form for a job that isn’t your main/primary source of income, then you’ll want to use a secondary earnings tax code. Your secondary tax code is based on your expected blended annual earnings and whether or not you’re paying off a New Zealand student loan. 
An example of secondary tax codes that are likely to apply to the IR 330 includes:
  • If your annual earnings from all sources are less than NZD 14,000, your tax code is SB.
  • If your annual earnings from all sources are between NZD 14,001 and NZD 48,000, your tax code is S.
  • If your annual earnings from all sources are between NZD 48,001 and NZD 70,000, your tax code is SH.
  • If your annual earnings from all sources are between NZD 70,001 and NZD 180,000, your tax code is ST.
  • If your annual earnings from all sources are above NZD 180,000, your tax code is SA.

The secondary tax codes above are not fully exhaustive. To find out what secondary tax code you should be on, follow the diagram on page three of the IRD's flowchart (which can be found using the IRD's website).

Do you have a Student Loan? Your tax code will likely contain the letters "SL"

To find your tax code, fill out the questionnaire under 'find my tax code' on the IRD's website. Examples include "M SL", "ME SL" and "SA SL", among others. The questionnaire and the IRD's support team will assist you in determining your tax code if you have any questions.

What if I have one job but earn under $48,000? What is my tax code?

The best starting point is to fill out the questionnaire under 'find my tax code' on the IRD's website. In many cases, the tax code may be "ME" (but not always - hence it's essential to complete the questionnaire). ME is different to M and typically, ME tax code New Zealanders don't receive an income-tested benefit, working for families tax credits, superannuation or have a student loan.

What are the most common reasons that New Zealanders get tax codes wrong?

The majority of New Zealanders who are starting a new job will get the tax code right. However, there are some common circumstances where the tax codes can get muddled up (either by your employer, the IRD or you). These circumstances include:

1. Changing jobs
If you've changed jobs recently, the IRD can incorrectly count your previous job as still active and may assume you have two jobs. This mistake is especially common if your previous company hasn't notified the IRD that you've resigned.

2. Second jobs
If you've picked up a side hustle to support your main job, you might be taxed incorrectly on a chunk of your earnings if your tax code doesn't consider this second income.

3. Additional benefits
Receiving multiple worker benefits such as insurance, stipend, or tangible perks (subject to fringe benefits tax) can all impact the amount of tax you pay.

4. Working for the first time
People who start work for the first time may not know how to fill out an IR 330. Additionally, the IRD will have limited information on these people and may set their tax code to the non-declaration rate of 45%. 

5. Superannuation and Retirement
Families with more than one pension or newly retired may find their situation doesn't easily fit into a specific tax code, leading to uncertainty. Unfortunately, this confusion can lead to being taxed at a rate higher than you should be.

What are the other New Zealand tax codes?

There are a few tax code choices for specific occupations in New Zealand. Below are some of the most popular specific occupational tax codes:
  • Casual Agricultural Work - These are informal seasonal employees working in the agricultural industry for up to three months. The tax code is CAE.
  • Election Day Work - Election day workers use the EDW tax code.
  • Recognised Seasonal Work - The above refers to people employed under the Recognised Seasonal Employers (RSE) Scheme in the horticulture industries with a legal visa or Recognised Employer Work Policy permit. This class of workers uses the NSW tax code.
  • Tailored Tax Codes - Tailored tax codes are used when a large tax bill or refund may arise. You will need to apply for a tailored tax code through the IRD. It's recommended first to take the extensive questionnaire to see whether your situation requires a tailored tax code. You can take this questionnaire and find more information on tailored tax codes on the IRD's website.

Must-Know Facts and Tips to Ensure You Have the Correct Tax Code

1. Check your code regularly, especially if your situation changes.
  • With any luck, once you’ve picked the proper tax code, the IRD will administer the correct tax treatment to your income, and you won’t run into any problems. However, always keep track of when your situation changes. Whether taking out a student loan, earning a secondary income or anything else, you must update your tax code and inform the IRD whenever your situation changes.

2. To be certain, take the IRD’s online tax code questionnaire before filling out the IR330.
  • This online questionnaire assists New Zealanders in figuring out whether they are on the correct tax code. You can complete the questionnaire at this link under the “Determine what tax code to use” section. It will ask you questions such as what benefits you’re on, whether the job in question is your main or secondary job, and what the estimated earnings from the job are. It should then provide the tax code you should be on, given your responses to the questions.
  • Taking the IRD questionnaire isn’t definitive, but it should give you a rough idea of whether or not your tax code is right. If it looks wrong, it may want to be worth talking to your employer, accountant or the IRD to check and see if your current tax code is right.

Common Tax Code Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

1. Failing to Use a Student Loan Tax Code
How to Avoid: If you have a student loan, ensure you include "SL" in your tax code. Failing to do so can lead to underpayment of your student loan obligations.

2. Overlooking Tax Code Changes Post-Retirement
How to Avoid: When you retire or start receiving a pension, reassess your tax code. Pensions and retirement incomes often have different tax requirements.

3. Assuming Your Tax Code Stays the Same Year-to-Year
How to Avoid: Conduct an annual review of your tax code. Don't assume last year's code will still be appropriate, especially if your financial situation has changed, and if you've experienced major life changes, such as getting married, having children, or buying a house, as these can affect your tax obligations.

4. Choosing Your Tax Code Based on Incorrect Income Bracket
How to Avoid: Understand the income brackets associated with each tax code. Misjudging your income bracket can lead to being taxed at the wrong rate.

5. Not Considering Tax Credits or Benefits
How to Avoid: Take into account any tax credits or benefits you receive, like Working for Families. These can affect which tax code is right for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I don’t put in a tax code or if I don’t tell my employer?

If you don’t let your employer know what code you should be on, they will likely tax you at the non-declaration tax rate of 45%. If you’re in this situation, it’s recommended to contact your employer as soon as possible so they can change this. The longer you stay at this rate, the more tax they will deduct from your gross salary in the meantime.

I think I've overpaid tax – how do I get my money back?

If you think you've incorrectly put in your tax code, you must first inform the IRD or your employer (assuming you're on a PAYE job). Tax codes will impact your take-home pay (for example, whether you contribute to paying down your student loans), so it's important to get in touch with someone to sort it out as soon as possible.

As a result, you may receive more or less take-home pay than you should. When reaching out to the IRD or your employer, include as much detail as possible regarding your current employment and tax situation, your current tax code, and why you believe your tax code may be wrong so that they can get the whole picture. You can find more information on changing your tax code using the IRD's website.

How and when will I know if I’m on the right tax code? If I paid too much tax, when do I get my refund?

Generally, at the end of the financial tax year, the IRD will likely calculate your tax return and email you to check your MyIR account. If the IRD calculates that you paid too much tax relative to what you should have paid on your current tax code, the IRD will either inform you or your employer to edit the tax code you're on. They'll also inform you through your tax return that you're owed a refund. The refund will be deposited into your bank account that the IRD has on file for you after filing your tax return.

I've made a mistake on my tax code in the past and think I've incorrectly filed tax returns for the last few years. What do I do? Will I get in trouble?

The first thing to do is to get in touch with either an accountant (who can identify the impact of the incorrect tax code) or the IRD. Both parties will be able to assist you in identifying the right tax code and the best way to amend the previous tax returns you've filed.

Know This:
  • In most cases, if the IRD have reason to believe your previous tax return is incorrect, you'll have to amend your tax return and recalculate the amount of tax owed in that financial year. This likely means you will have to repay the tax you owe from those years.
  • The intent is important in establishing any wrongdoing. The IRD will examine the tax mistakes and determine if they were made negligently or deliberately. Either way, discussing the implications of this with a tax accountant is recommended to ensure you comply with all the right laws and procedures once this has occurred. The IRD has guidelines recommending good record keeping of up to seven years of tax return details.
  • While it may vary from case to case, the IRD's viewpoint is that every individual is accountable for filing their tax returns correctly with the right information, including whether individuals are on the proper tax code. However, even if your tax code is incorrect, there are some circumstances that the IRD may consider. For example, if your employer made a mistake and put you on the incorrect tax code, you may not have known that your tax code was incorrect. In that case, the IRD will attempt to contact your employer.
  • If you are unsure about anything, we strongly suggest contacting the IRD sooner rather than later to ensure you're paying the correct amount of tax and set up correctly.
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