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Your taxable income 

Most income you get is taxable. This means we’ll include it in your end of year automatic calculation, or if you file an individual tax return – IR3 then you’ll need to declare the income.

Taxable income can include income from:

  • working including salary, wages or self-employed income
  • benefits and student allowances
  • assets and investments including KiwiSaver and rental income
  • overseas income. 

Some income is not taxable, so we will not include it in your end of year automatic calculation. If you file an individual tax return – IR3, then you will not need to declare the income. 

Non-taxable income can include: 

  • prize money and inheritances, although interest earned from investing these is taxable 
  • gifts or koha, if the giver gets nothing in return, although depending on the circumstances you may still have to pay income tax 
  • reimbursing allowances: reimbursing someone for money they're spent 
  • specific non-taxable employment allowances such as for temporary additional transport costs 

Taxing prize money
Donations (koha)
Reimbursing allowances

Read more about different types of income. 

Types of individual income
Types of business income

If you are not sure if your income is taxable, you can contact us.

Last updated: 25 Sep 2024
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