Tax and compliance for businesses in New Zealand

Snapshot

New Zealand businesses deal with income tax, GST where turnover passes the threshold, provisional tax in instalments, PAYE for employees, and KiwiSaver. As of 13 April 2026 the GST registration threshold is NZ$60,000 of turnover in a 12 month period and the standard company tax rate is 28 percent. Confirm current rules with Inland Revenue or an adviser.

GST: Register if turnover tops NZ$60,000 in 12 months, GST rate is 15 percent
Company tax rate: 28 percent on company profit as of 13 April 2026
Provisional tax: Applies where residual income tax is over NZ$5,000, paid in instalments
PAYE and records: PAYE filed via myIR, keep records for at least 7 years

Fees and features as of 13 April 2026Last reviewed 13 April 2026

General information, not financial, legal, or tax advice. Verify current terms and eligibility with the provider before applying.

Business tax and compliance in New Zealand centres on income tax, GST, provisional tax, and PAYE, reported to Inland Revenue. As of 13 April 2026, you must register for GST once turnover tops NZ$60,000 in a 12 month period, the standard company tax rate is 28 percent, and records are kept for at least seven years. This is general information, not tax advice, so confirm your position with Inland Revenue or an adviser.

The main taxes for a New Zealand business

Most businesses interact with a few core taxes administered by Inland Revenue. As of 13 April 2026, the figures below are the headline rules, but thresholds and rates change and your situation may differ, so treat this as general information and confirm with Inland Revenue or a qualified adviser.

GST and income tax

You must register for GST once your taxable turnover tops NZ$60,000 in any 12 month period, and you generally register within 21 days of crossing it. As of 13 April 2026 the GST rate is 15 percent. Company profit is taxed at the standard company rate of 28 percent, while sole traders and partnerships are taxed at individual rates. Verify the current rates with Inland Revenue.

Provisional tax, PAYE, and KiwiSaver

Where residual income tax is over NZ$5,000, you usually pay provisional tax in instalments across the year. If you employ people, you deduct PAYE and file through myIR, and you make KiwiSaver contributions for eligible employees. As of 13 April 2026, the minimum KiwiSaver employer and employee contribution rate rises to 3.5 percent from 1 April 2026. Confirm the dates and rates with Inland Revenue.

Compliance basics

Keep on top of these, as of 13 April 2026. Verify with Inland Revenue

Register for GST on time and file returns by their due dates.
Meet provisional tax and PAYE instalment dates to avoid interest and penalties.
Keep business records, including invoices and receipts, for at least seven years.

Compare business accounts available in New Zealand

These providers accept business customers in New Zealand and onboard online. Fees and eligibility shown as of 13 April 2026. Confirm current terms with the provider before applying.

Compare business accounts →

Questions about business banking in New Zealand

When does a business have to register for GST in New Zealand?

You must register once your taxable turnover tops NZ$60,000 in any 12 month period, usually within 21 days of crossing the threshold. As of 13 April 2026 the GST rate is 15 percent. Confirm your position with Inland Revenue.

What is the company tax rate in New Zealand?

As of 13 April 2026 the standard company tax rate is 28 percent on company profit, while sole traders and partnerships are taxed at individual rates. Rates can change, so verify the current rate with Inland Revenue or an adviser.

What is provisional tax?

Provisional tax is a way of paying income tax in instalments during the year, and it generally applies where your residual income tax is over NZ$5,000. As of 13 April 2026 the methods and dates vary. Confirm what applies with Inland Revenue.

How long do I keep business records in New Zealand?

Businesses generally keep records, including invoices and receipts, for at least seven years. As of 13 April 2026 this is the standard expectation. Verify the rules for your situation with Inland Revenue.

Fees, features, and eligibility change and vary by region. This page was last reviewed on 13 April 2026. Confirm current terms with the provider before applying.