April 2026 Payroll Changes – What Every New Zealand Employer Needs to Know
The 1st of April marks the start of a new tax year in New Zealand, and with it comes a set of mandatory payroll changes that every employer must apply correctly and on time. From a higher minimum wage to increased KiwiSaver contribution rates and a revised ACC earner levy, these updates affect virtually every […]
April 2026 Payroll Changes: Minimum Wage Increase and KiwiSaver Rate Rise — What Every NZ Employer Needs to Do Now
Two significant payroll changes take effect on 1 April 2026, and they both hit your bottom line on the same day. The adult minimum wage is increasing to $23.95 per hour, and the default KiwiSaver contribution rate is rising from 3% to 3.5% for both employees and employers. If you employ anyone on or near […]
Payroll Compliance Isn’t Optional: Why Accountants and Directors Need to Stop Burying Their Heads in the Sand
There’s a dangerous assumption lurking in boardrooms and accounting practices across New Zealand: “What we don’t know can’t hurt us.” When it comes to payroll compliance, nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, what you don’t know about your payroll obligations could cost you hundreds of thousands of dollars, damage your reputation, and […]
Hiring Your First Employee in New Zealand – What You Need to Know
Taking on your first employee is an exciting milestone for any New Zealand business. However, it also brings significant legal responsibilities and obligations that you must understand and meet. This comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need to know to get it right from day one. Step 1: Register as an Employer with Inland […]
Covid 19 – Paying your Staff, Kiwisaver, Casual Holiday Pay
Paying your staff If you are receiving the COVID-19 Wage Subsidy, you must try your hardest to pay the employee named in your application, at least 80% of their usual wages. If that isn’t possible, you need to pay at least the subsidy rate (ie, full-time or part-time). If your employee’s usual wages are less […]
2019 Tax Changes – effective from April 1st, 2019
There is not much happening Tax wise for the 2019/20 Tax Year, just four changes to do with payroll. ACC Earner Levy Threshold – The maximum income on which the ACC levy is applied is increased from $126,286 to $128,470. Student Loan Threshold – The Student Loan Threshold has increased to $19,760 or $380 per […]
Division over KiwiSavers future
It must be election time what with all the discussion that is happening over Kiwisaver at the moment. Each party says they know best but in my view, the best and easiest thing that they could all do to Kiwisaver, is make the Employer’s Contributions tax-free again. Currently the Employer’s Contributions are taxed at the […]
Tax Changes effective 01/04/2013
Tax Changes form April 1st, 2013
New Feature – The ability to add and track any form of on-cost
When it comes to payroll there are a number of additional, often overlooked, costs which are directly related to the wages you pay your employees. The most common ‘add-on costs’ are Employers Kiwisaver and Annual Leave, that is these are employer costs which are incurred when an employee works. Other add-on costs could be Employer […]
KiwiSaver
As from 01/07/09 if a KiwiSaver member passes away the beneficiary of the will is able to claim $15,000 of the members contribution without having to await probate.