Reference
NZ Income Tax Brackets History
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Quick answer
New Zealand's income tax brackets last changed on 31 July 2024. The current rates are 10.5% up to $15,600, 17.5% to $53,500, 30% to $78,100, 33% to $180,000 and 39% above that. The previous thresholds and every change before them are below.
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10.5-39%
Current Rate Range
2021
39% Top Rate Introduced
31 Jul 2024
Thresholds Lifted
A history of New Zealand personal income tax brackets and rates. The thresholds were lifted on 31 July 2024 (the 2024 tax changes), the first move in many years, and a 39% top rate on income over $180,000 was added in April 2021. For the full current-year detail, see our main NZ Tax Rates reference.
Income Tax Calculator PAYE Calculator Tax Bracket CalculatorCurrent Brackets (from 31 July 2024)
| Taxable income | Rate |
|---|---|
| $0 - $15,600 | 10.5% |
| $15,601 - $53,500 | 17.5% |
| $53,501 - $78,100 | 30% |
| $78,101 - $180,000 | 33% |
| $180,001+ | 39% |
Previous Brackets (1 April 2021 to 30 July 2024)
| Taxable income | Rate |
|---|---|
| $0 - $14,000 | 10.5% |
| $14,001 - $48,000 | 17.5% |
| $48,001 - $70,000 | 30% |
| $70,001 - $180,000 | 33% |
| $180,001+ | 39% |
Source: IRD - Tax rates for individuals
Key Milestones
| Date | Change |
|---|---|
| 1 October 2010 | Personal rates cut and GST raised to 15%; top rate set at 33% |
| 1 April 2021 | New 39% top rate introduced on income over $180,000 |
| 31 July 2024 | Bracket thresholds lifted to reduce the effect of bracket creep (the 2024 personal tax changes) |
Between 2010 and 2024 the thresholds were largely unchanged, so wage growth gradually pushed people into higher brackets, an effect known as bracket creep. The 2024 change lifted the thresholds to partly unwind that. New Zealand has no tax-free threshold; the lowest rate applies from the first dollar.
Source: Inland Revenue. See also our NZ Tax Rates 2026/27 reference for the full current-year detail.
Cite this page
NZ Income Tax Brackets History. Calculate.co.nz. https://www.calculate.co.nz/reference/nz-income-tax-history.php (retrieved 31 August 2026).
Figures are compiled from the official sources listed above and reviewed twice monthly.