Reference
Last updated: April 2026
ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation) is New Zealand's universal no-fault accident insurance scheme. Funding comes from four main levies: Earners Levy, Work Levy, Motor Vehicle Levy, and the Working Safer Levy. Rates are set by regulation and reviewed every three years.
PAYE Calculator Employer PAYE Cost Take Home PayThe Earners Levy is paid by all salary and wage earners and self-employed individuals. It funds non-work injury claims for earners. For PAYE earners, the levy is included in PAYE deductions.
| Tax Year | Levy Rate | Max Liable Earnings | Max Annual Levy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027/28 | $1.59 per $100 (1.59%) | $160,244 | $2,547.88 |
| 2026/27 (current) | $1.52 per $100 (1.52%) | $156,641 | $2,380.94 |
| 2025/26 | $1.45 per $100 (1.45%) | $152,790 | $2,215.46 |
| 2024/25 | $1.39 per $100 (1.39%) | $142,283 | $1,977.73 |
| 2023/24 | $1.53 per $100 (1.53%) | $139,384 | $2,132.57 |
| 2022/23 | $1.46 per $100 (1.46%) | $136,544 | $1,993.54 |
| 2021/22 | $1.39 per $100 (1.39%) | $130,911 | $1,819.66 |
Levies shown are exclusive of GST. The rate is effectively a flat tax for earners up to the maximum liable earnings threshold, then caps out for higher earners.
The Work Levy is paid by employers (on behalf of employees) and self-employed individuals. The rate depends on your industry risk (Classification Unit or CU code). The average rate is set annually.
| Tax Year | Average Work Levy Rate |
|---|---|
| 2027/28 | $0.72 per $100 |
| 2026/27 (current) | $0.69 per $100 |
| 2025/26 | $0.66 per $100 |
| 2024/25 | $0.63 per $100 |
Your actual rate varies by your BIC (Business Industry Classification) code. For example, office-based workers have a low Work Levy (around $0.10 to $0.30 per $100), while construction and forestry have higher rates ($1.50+ per $100).
Paid through vehicle licensing (rego) and on petrol. Funds injuries caused by motor vehicle accidents.
| Tax Year | Average Motor Vehicle Levy |
|---|---|
| 2027/28 | $141.69 per vehicle |
| 2026/27 (current) | $131.94 per vehicle |
| 2025/26 | $122.84 per vehicle |
| 2024/25 | $113.94 per vehicle |
From 1 July 2026, motorcycles are split into 3 risk groups (0-250cc, 251-750cc, 751+cc). Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) are now classified as petrol-powered for levy purposes. Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are classified as non-petrol powered.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Rate | $0.08 per $100 of earnings |
| Purpose | Funds WorkSafe New Zealand |
| Paid by | Employers and self-employed |
| Product | Cover | When Used |
|---|---|---|
| CoverPlus (standard) | 80% of previous year's liable income, calculated at claim time | Default for all self-employed |
| CoverPlus Extra (CPX) | Agreed level of weekly compensation, regardless of actual income | Opt-in for predictable income certainty |
| Category | Minimum Liable | Maximum Liable |
|---|---|---|
| Employees and shareholder-employees | No minimum | $156,641 |
| Self-employed, full-time (30+ hrs/wk) | Around $48,000 (indicative) | $156,641 |
| Self-employed, part-time (under 30 hrs/wk) | No minimum (actual earnings) | $156,641 |
Employers with 3+ years of history can have their Work Levy adjusted up or down based on their claims experience. The threshold for including medical and treatment costs in Experience Rating rose to $750 from April 2026.
| Employer Size | Potential Adjustment |
|---|---|
| Small (<$490K payroll) | Up to 10% discount, up to 10% loading |
| Medium ($490K to $1.66M) | Up to 15% discount, up to 15% loading |
| Large (over $1.66M) | Up to 50% discount, up to 75% loading |
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