Tax

This page lists resources where you can find helpful information about common taxes and processes.

Cover of The Big Kahuna Cover of Money Matters Cover of Introduction to New Zealand Taxation

Library resources

Taxation
Books in our collection about taxation in New Zealand.
Personal finance websites
Links to recommended personal finance websites.
Cover of The Perfect BalancePersonal finance
Our libraries have a great collection of New Zealand titles about managing your money, saving and making money.
The Budget
Our guide to information about the Government’s annual Budget which includes decisions affecting the taxes we pay.
Dictionary of finance and banking
Online guide with useful taxation references.
Access this with your library card number and PIN, or at our libraries.
KiwiSaver
Our guide to information about KiwiSaver.

Some key tax terms

GST
Goods and services tax. This tax is part of the price we pay for everything we buy or for services we use such as doctors.
Income Year
The income year, also known as the tax year, or financial year, starts on 1 April and finishes on 31 March the following year.
IRD
Inland Revenue Department Te Tari Taake. The Government department responsible for collecting taxes and other revenue.
IRD Number
Each taxpayer has their own individual number for dealings with the IRD.
PAYE
Pay As You Earn. Your employer pays your taxes by deducting regular amounts from your pay packet.
Tax Code
A code assigned to you which indicates your source or sources of income. e.g one or more jobs, interest, benefit.

For more definitions of tax terms, check the IRD's Income Tax Glossary.

Finding out about tax

Get information from the IRD web site:

Who qualifies for money back?

If you earn salary or wages you will probably pay the right amount of tax. It is still worth checking though on the Inland Revenue website.

Unclaimed money

Inland Revenue provides a service for the true owners of unclaimed money which has been left untouched for six or more years in companies such as financial institutions and insurance companies. This does not include tax refunds.

Payroll giving

Payroll giving gives you the opportunity to donate to approved charitable organisations direct from your pay and receive immediate tax credits that reduce your PAYE payable. You need to check and see if your employer offers payroll giving.

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