Wellington paycheck quick facts
| Wellington city income tax | 0% (NZ has no city/regional income tax) |
|---|---|
| NZ income tax | 10.5% – 39% (5 brackets, no tax-free threshold) |
| ACC Earner's Levy | 1.67% on first $152,790 |
| KiwiSaver (employee) | 3% / 4% / 6% / 8% / 10% (your choice, default 3%) |
| KiwiSaver (employer) | Minimum 3% on top of salary |
| Student loan | Flat 12% above $24,128 |
| GST | 15% nationwide |
About Wellington and Wellington Region
Wellington is NZ's capital and political/cultural centre. Strong public sector and creative-industries economy. Cost of living is lower than Auckland but housing prices in central Wellington have appreciated significantly.
NZ income tax (FY 2025-26)
New Zealand has a national income tax with five brackets and no tax-free threshold — tax starts from the first dollar earned. Budget 2024 raised the bottom two bracket thresholds, with full new thresholds applying from FY 2025-26.
| Taxable income | Rate |
|---|---|
| $0 – $15,600 | 10.5% |
| $15,601 – $53,500 | 17.5% |
| $53,501 – $78,100 | 30% |
| $78,101 – $180,000 | 33% |
| $180,001+ | 39% |
Earners between $24,000 and $70,000 may also claim the Independent Earner Tax Credit (IETC) — up to $520/year ($10/week) — provided they don't receive Working for Families or a main benefit. The full $520 applies between $24k and $66k; it tapers 13c per $1 from $66k → $0 at $70k.
ACC Earner's Levy
All employees pay the ACC Earner's Levy to fund New Zealand's national accident-compensation scheme. FY 2025-26 rate: 1.67% on liable earnings, capped at $152,790/year. Collected automatically via PAYE alongside income tax.
KiwiSaver
KiwiSaver is NZ's opt-in retirement savings scheme. You pick a contribution rate of 3%, 4%, 6%, 8%, or 10% of your gross pay. Your employer must contribute a minimum of 3% on top of your salary in most contracts (some employment agreements bundle it into a total-remuneration package — check yours).
The government also tops up your KiwiSaver with up to $521.43/year (50c per $1 you contribute, up to the cap), provided you're eligible and contribute at least $1,042.86 per year.
Student loan repayments
If you have a NZ student loan, compulsory repayments are deducted via PAYE at 12% of every dollar above $24,128/year ($464/week). The rate is flat — no marginal bands. Repayments are applied automatically when your employer uses the SL tax code.
GST
15% nationwide on most goods and services. Raised from 12.5% on 1 October 2010; stable since.
Sources
- IRD — Tax rates for individuals
- IRD — ACC earners' levy rates
- IRD — Independent Earner Tax Credit (IETC)
- IRD — Student loan repayments
- KiwiSaver — official site
Calculator is provided for estimation only and does not constitute tax advice. Consult an accountant or IRD for filing.
Related tools
- NZ PAYE Calculator — with city picker
- NZ Income Tax Calculator — annual estimate
- KiwiSaver Calculator — retirement contributions and projection
- Student Loan Calculator