Free tool · People
PAYE and take-home pay calculator
See what a salary or hourly wage leaves after tax, ACC, KiwiSaver and student loan. Use it to check a payslip, compare a job offer or work out what a new hire takes home.
Take-home pay 2026–27
| Gross pay | $1,250.00 |
|---|---|
| PAYE income tax | −$225.39 |
| ACC earners' levy | −$21.88 |
| KiwiSaver (you) | −$43.75 |
| Take-home pay | $958.98 |
Your employer also pays at least $43.75 into your KiwiSaver (3.5%, before ESCT). Estimate for a main job on 2026–27 rates. Your payslip may differ by a few cents.
The short answerTake-home pay in New Zealand is gross pay minus PAYE income tax, the ACC earners' levy, and any KiwiSaver and student loan deductions. For 2026–27, income tax runs from 10.5% to 39%. The ACC earners' levy is 1.75% on earnings up to $156,641. KiwiSaver starts at 3.5%, and student loan repayments are 12% of income over $24,128.
What comes out of my pay?
- PAYE income tax. It's worked out on your whole income in bands, so a pay rise only taxes the extra dollars at the higher rate.
- ACC earners' levy. 1.75% for 2026–27 (it was 1.67% in 2025–26). It covers injuries outside work, and stops at earnings of $156,641.
- KiwiSaver. If you're a member, 3.5% is the default and minimum from 1 April 2026. You can choose 4%, 6%, 8% or 10%.
- Student loan. 12% of every dollar over the repayment threshold, which IRD sets at $24,128.
- Tax credits. The independent earner tax credit (IETC) adds $10 a week if you earn $24,000 to $66,000 and don't get Working for Families or a benefit. It phases out by $70,000.
What are the tax rates for 2026–27?
| Income | Tax rate |
|---|---|
| $0 to $15,600 | 10.5% |
| $15,601 to $53,500 | 17.5% |
| $53,501 to $78,100 | 30% |
| $78,101 to $180,000 | 33% |
| Over $180,000 | 39% |
Weekly take-home, rounded, for a main job with no student loan or tax credits:
| Salary | No KiwiSaver | KiwiSaver 3.5% |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $797 | $764 |
| $65,000 | $1,003 | $959 |
| $80,000 | $1,199 | $1,145 |
| $100,000 | $1,449 | $1,382 |
What does an employee cost me as the employer?
More than the wage. On top of gross pay, budget for:
- Employer KiwiSaver: at least 3.5% of gross pay from 1 April 2026, for members. Employer superannuation contribution tax (ESCT) comes out of it, so less than 3.5% lands in their account.
- ACC work levy: charged to you by ACC. The rate depends on your industry.
- Leave: annual holidays, sick leave and public holidays are paid, so cover can cost extra.
Hiring for the first time? Read How do I hire my first employee?
Why might my payslip be different?
- Pay-period tables. Payroll works out PAYE per pay using IRD's tables. This calculator works on the year and divides it, so you may see a few cents' difference.
- Tax codes. A second job uses a secondary tax code with a flat rate. The calculator assumes your main job (M or ME).
- Irregular pay. Bonuses, overtime and holiday pay can be taxed at a higher rate in the pay they land in.
Questions owners ask
How is PAYE calculated in New Zealand?
PAYE is income tax taken from each pay at progressive rates: 10.5% up to $15,600, 17.5% to $53,500, 30% to $78,100, 33% to $180,000 and 39% above that. Your employer also deducts the ACC earners' levy and, if they apply, KiwiSaver and student loan repayments, then pays it all to Inland Revenue.
What is the ACC earners' levy for 2026–27?
$1.75 per $100 of earnings (1.75%, including GST) from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027. It's charged on earnings up to $156,641, so the most anyone pays is $2,741.22 for the year. The rate is set to rise to 1.83% from 1 April 2027.
What's the minimum KiwiSaver contribution from April 2026?
3.5% of gross pay for employees, and at least 3.5% from employers, from 1 April 2026. Both used to be 3%. Employees who can't afford the increase can apply to Inland Revenue for a temporary rate reduction.
How much is $65,000 a year after tax in NZ?
About $1,003 a week, or $52,142 a year, with no KiwiSaver or student loan, on 2026–27 rates. With KiwiSaver at 3.5%, it's about $959 a week. That's after $11,720.50 of income tax and $1,137.50 of ACC levy. Use the calculator for your own pay.
What is the independent earner tax credit (IETC)?
A tax credit of $10 a week ($520 a year) for New Zealand residents earning $24,000 to $66,000 who don't get Working for Families, a benefit or NZ Super. It reduces by 13 cents for every dollar over $66,000 and stops at $70,000. Employees usually get it through the ME tax code.
Does this calculator work if I'm self-employed?
Not quite. Sole traders don't have PAYE taken out. You pay income tax through your tax return and provisional tax, and ACC invoices your levies separately. The tax rates are the same, so the income tax line is a fair guide. Read our guide to sole trader versus company for more.
An estimate, not tax advice. It covers one main job on 2026–27 rates, worked out over the year. Check IRD's figures or your payroll provider for exact amounts.
Where's this from?
- IRD: Tax rates for individuals
- IRD: ACC earners' levy rates
- IRD: Employee contributions to KiwiSaver
- IRD: Employer contributions to KiwiSaver
- IRD: Student loan repayments from salary or wages
- IRD: Independent earner tax credit
Checked against these sources on 7 November 2026 by MySMB Editorial. Spotted a mistake? Tell us and we'll fix it.
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