New Zealand has no comprehensive capital gains tax, but companies may be taxed on capital gains when distributing dividends to shareholders. Provisional tax is paid in three installments, with the final tax filing deadline extended by two months for taxpayers with tax agents. The year-end tax is due on February 7th for balance sheet dates between March 31st and September 30th, and on the 7th day of the 11th month for other balance sheet dates. The final tax filing deadline for taxpayers with tax agents is extended to March 31st of the following year. The general corporate income tax rate is 28%, and the general VAT rate is 15%. Non-residents are subject to a withholding tax of 30% on dividends, 15% on interest, and 15% on royalties. Residents are subject to a withholding tax of 33% on dividends, 28% on interest, and 0% on royalties.
New Zealand Tax Brief
Time of Update 4/05/2026
New Zealand Corporate Income Tax (CIT)
New Zealand Withholding Tax (WHT)
New Zealand Value-Added Tax (VAT)
New Zealand Capital Gain Tax (CGT)
New Zealand Effective Tax Rate (ETR)
Composite Effective Marginal Tax Rate:
29.39%
Additional info
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TKEG Expat™ (Test) New Zealand Corporate Tax Guide
1.
New Zealand Corporate Income Tax (CIT)
New Zealand imposes a corporate income tax (CIT) at a headline rate of 28%. CIT returns for companies with a balance date between 1 October and 31 March are due by 7 July, while for those with a balance date between 1 April and 30 September, the due date is the seventh day of the fourth month following the balance date. Provisional tax payments are generally made in three installments during the seventh month before the balance date, the third month before the balance date, and the month following the balance date. Final CIT payments are due on the seventh day of the 11th month after the balance date, with extensions for taxpayers linked to a tax agent.
2.
New Zealand Personal Income Tax (PIT)
New Zealand applies a personal income tax (PIT) rate of 39% for individuals. The PIT return due date is 7 July, and there is no specific final payment date mentioned for this tax. The tax system in New Zealand ensures that taxpayers fulfill their PIT obligations through an organized and transparent framework, where the tax filing process is managed efficiently.
3.
New Zealand Withholding Tax (WHT)
In New Zealand, withholding tax (WHT) rates for dividends, interest, and royalties vary depending on the residency status. Resident companies are subject to WHT rates of 33%, 28%, or 0%, while non-resident companies face rates of 30%, 15%, or 15%. For individuals, residents pay 30%, 39%, or 0%, and non-residents are taxed at 30%, 15%, or 15%. The rates are determined based on shareholder holdings and treaty relief.
4.
New Zealand Goods and Services Tax (GST)
New Zealand imposes a goods and services tax (GST), which is a form of VAT, at a standard rate of 15%. The tax applies to most supplies of goods and services, including digital products and remote services provided to New Zealand residents. Exempt supplies include exports, financial services, and certain land-related transactions. Offshore sellers are also required to register and account for GST if their supplies of low-value imported goods exceed NZD 60,000 annually. GST is a crucial part of New Zealand's tax system, ensuring that goods and services are taxed effectively.
5.
New Zealand Offshore Gambling Duty
Offshore gambling operators in New Zealand are subject to an offshore gambling duty of 12% on profits derived from gambling activities. This duty excludes profits already subject to a similar tax on sports betting, ensuring that the gambling industry contributes to New Zealand’s tax revenue.
