New Zealand tax rates
The top rates a resident individual pays on each kind of income, computed by the Sovereign tax engine from its New Zealand tax profile.
Tier 2 — every figure has an accepted source; some rest on a PwC / Deloitte / KPMG / EY summary (marked †). Sources last checked 8 November 2026. Figures last changed 4 November 2026. Profile last reviewed 27 May 2026.
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| Salary | Capital gains | Dividends | Interest | Rent | Crypto gains | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Zealand | 39%† | 0%† | 39% | 39% | 39%† | 39% |
† This figure rests on a PwC tax summary, not on the statute itself. The summary is the only source on file for it.
Each figure is the tax on one more unit of a very large amount of that income, with every layer the engine models: surtaxes and uncapped social contributions included. It is the top marginal rate, not the average rate you pay on all your income.
What is the top income tax rate in New Zealand?
The top rate on a salary is 39%. It is the tax on each extra unit of a very high salary, with surtaxes and uncapped social contributions included. The income tax scale alone reaches 39% above NZD 180,000.
How are capital gains taxed in New Zealand?
New Zealand does not tax a capital gain on shares held as an investment in our model. The rate does not depend on how long you held the asset.
How are dividends and interest taxed in New Zealand?
The top rate is 39% on dividends and 39% on interest.
How is crypto taxed in New Zealand?
New Zealand taxes a gain on crypto assets as income, at up to 39%.
Does New Zealand tax foreign income?
Yes. New Zealand taxes its residents on their worldwide income. A tax treaty or a credit for foreign tax can reduce the tax on income from abroad.
Does New Zealand have a wealth tax?
No. New Zealand has no recurring national tax on net wealth in our model. Property taxes and taxes on gifts or inheritances are separate.
Does New Zealand have an exit tax for individuals?
No. In our model New Zealand does not tax an individual's unrealised gains when the individual moves abroad.
What special tax regimes does New Zealand have?
Our profiles list one regime: Transitional Resident Exemption (up to 4 years). It has its own conditions.
When do you become tax resident in New Zealand?
The New Zealand day test (183 days in any 12 months): more than 183 days in any 12 months. A permanent place of abode in New Zealand makes you resident whatever your days, and it overrides the day tests.
Residence decides whether New Zealand taxes you on these rates. See the New Zealand day-count test and count your own days.
Sources
The New Zealand profile cites 6 sources for these rules, 4 of them from a government or a statute.
- Individual income-tax rates · official, retrieved 2026-11-03
- Acquiring cryptoassets to sell or exchange · official, retrieved 2026-11-03
- Inland Revenue ACC earners' levy rates · official, retrieved 2026-11-08
- Temporary tax exemption for new tax residents · official, retrieved 2026-11-03
- PwC New Zealand individual income tax · summary, retrieved 2026-11-08
- PwC New Zealand income determination · summary, retrieved 2026-11-08
The model covers the general rules for a resident individual. It does not cover every deduction, credit, tax treaty or local tax, and rules change after the check date above. Did you find an error? Tell us, with the source.
Compare New Zealand with other countries
Top rates do not show what you would pay. Sovereign applies these rules to your own assets, income and debts, and compares the result across 165 countries. Put New Zealand side by side with other countries, see every country or try the live demo.
Other countries in Oceania: Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, Samoa, Australia, Fiji.