Backpackers in New Zealand - Here’s the ultimate handbook to help you get your tax back
Were you a backpacker or international student working in New Zealand between 1 April 2023 and 31 March 2024?
If so, you can claim your tax back now!
Our average New Zealand tax refund is $550 - so it’s worth checking how much tax you are due back! In fact, you can use our tax refund calculator to check if you are due a tax refund in NZ!
The amount of tax you get back depends on a few things, such as:
- The amount of income you earned
- How long you spent working while in New Zealand
- What job you had
- The amount of tax withheld from your wages
We can help you calculate your tax refund from New Zealand.
Download your FREE New Zealand Tax Guide
Determining your residency status in New Zealand
If you stayed in New Zealand for less than 183 days in a 12 month period, you’re considered a non-resident for tax purposes.
However, you are considered a resident for tax purposes if you:
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Stayed in New Zealand for more than 183 days in a 12 month period, or
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Have a permanent place to live in New Zealand
Get Your New Zealand Tax Refund!
Who is required to file a New Zealand tax return?
Many people are not obliged to file a New Zealand tax return.
Although, most people choose to file a tax return so that they can claim their New Zealand tax refund.
The average refund a Taxback customer receives for New Zealand is $550. So, it’s worth checking how much tax you are owed - you can even use our free NZ tax calculator to check!
Please note: Working Holidaymakers are obliged to file a tax return if they have overseas income or arrived part way through a tax year.
So basically, if you’re a Working Holidaymaker, it's best to file a tax return to ensure you are 100% tax compliant!
And don’t forget, by filing your tax return you can claim any NZ tax refund you are due - so that’s definitely a bonus, who wouldn’t want more money in their pocket to go travelling with?!
When should you file your tax return?
The New Zealand tax year runs from 1 April to 31 March each year.
And the deadline for filing your New Zealand tax return is 7 July. So be sure to file before this date to avoid any fines or penalties and to claim your tax refund for 2024!
What do you need to file your tax return?
In order to file your New Zealand tax return you need:
- A copy of your ID
- Your Summary of Earnings or your final payslip will work for this. So, it’s important to always keep your payslips safe, especially your final one!
Are you self-employed?
If you were self-employed, ran a company or were paid in cash while working in New Zealand, you will be required to file an IR3 tax return.
You will need to file an IR3 tax return to declare:
- How much you earned throughout the year
- The amount of tax you paid on your income
- Any business expenses that you incurred
By filing an IR3 tax return you will also determine whether you have a tax liability or are due a tax refund.
Taxback can help you to file your IR3 tax return. Simply fill out this form and our tax experts will be in touch to help you out!
If you earned overseas income in the same year you moved to New Zealand
Working Holidaymakers - please pay attention!
If you are a Working Holidaymaker in New Zealand and are considered a resident for tax purposes, you will pay income tax on any income that you earned overseas.
However, if the income you earned overseas has already had tax deducted from it, you may be able to claim a credit for the tax paid overseas against the tax you are being charged on the overseas income in New Zealand.
The credit you receive will be the lesser of:
- The tax you paid overseas, and
- The New Zealand income tax payable on your overseas income
Get Your New Zealand Tax Refund!
How long will it take to get my refund?
It normally takes between 8 and 12 weeks to receive your New Zealand tax refund.
If you apply for your refund with Taxback we will chase the tax office to get updates on the progress of your application and let you know if they need further documentation.
What happens if you don’t file a tax return?
If you don’t file a tax return and you have a tax liability, you could be charged with late filing penalties and interest.
So, make sure to submit your return before the deadline to avoid being hit with these charges!
Download your FREE New Zealand Tax Guide
Why apply for your tax refund with a tax agent?
It’s a common misconception that the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) automatically transfers tax refunds to the bank account of each individual tax payer.
However, the process of claiming your tax refund on your own is not as hassle-free as it may initially seem.
After the end of the tax year, each taxpayer will receive a notification from the IRD.
This notification will inform you that you either have a tax underpayment or you are owed a refund. You may also receive a request to confirm additional information about your income or they will notify you that you are required to file a tax return.
The latter two options indicate that the IRS are missing some key information about your tax profile. This could include any tax deductions that you are entitled to claim, which could potentially increase your tax refund.
In other words, it is not always possible to receive your maximum tax refund automatically from the IRD.
By applying with a tax agent – like Taxback – you can guaranteed that you receive your maximum tax refund amount. Our team will carry out a complete review of your tax situation and ensure you are claiming every tax relief you are due.
Get Your New Zealand Tax Refund!
Need a hand claiming your tax refund?
If you’re ready to claim your tax refund, simply apply with Taxback today and we will take the tricky tax paperwork out of your hands!
Our tax experts will review your individual circumstances and ensure you are claiming all of the applicable deductions and reliefs available to you. We will ensure you receive your maximum legal tax refund.
How to calculate your tax refund?
Our average New Zealand tax refund is $550, so why not get started and apply to get your tax back today?
Benefits of choosing Taxback?
- Simple, online form
- We will take care of the tricky tax paperwork
- Maximum legal tax refund guaranteed
- We will transfer your refund to any bank account in the world!
Simply fill in this form and our tax experts will be in touch.
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