KiwiSaver

TAX


Any returns you make on your investment in the NZDF Savings Schemes are subject to tax. Mercer will deduct the appropriate amount from your account and pay it to Inland Revenue on your behalf.

  • The tax rate applied to earnings from your KiwiSaver, FlexiSaver or Defence Force Superannuation Scheme accounts is called your Prescribed Investor Rate (PIR). It could be 10.5%, 17.5% or 28%, depending on your income for the previous two years.
  • We pay tax to Inland Revenue on your behalf, you don’t need to file a tax return for your Mercer retirement savings accounts; Inland Revenue is moving to help make sure investors, including NZDF Savings Scheme’s members, get on the correct PIR. A wash up calculation is provided by Inland Revenue at year end.

TAX RESIDENCY FOR NEW ZEALAND TAX PURPOSES

If you live and work in New Zealand, it's important to understand your tax residency status. Your tax residency status determines what taxes you'll pay in New Zealand, and it's important to get it right to avoid any potential issues with your Portfolio Investment Entity (PIE) fund which can include KiwiSaver, Superannuation and Trust investments.

In New Zealand, you can either be classified as a New Zealand tax resident, or non-resident taxpayer. Your tax residency status is determined by a number of factors, including the amount of time you spend in New Zealand, your intentions for being in New Zealand, and your connections to the country.

It's important to note that your tax residency status can change over time. For example, if you initially come to New Zealand as a non-resident taxpayer but then decide to stay for a longer period of time, you may become a New Zealand tax resident. Similarly, if you're a New Zealand tax resident but then leave the country, you may become a non-resident taxpayer depending on your personal circumstances.

WHAT IS YOUR PRESCRIBED INVESTOR RATE (PIR)?

Your tax residency is important, as it determines what your PIR (tax rate) will be. Your PIR is the rate used to calculate how much tax you'll pay on your PIE taxable income, for example your KiwiSaver investments.

In New Zealand, there are three PIR rates: 10.5%, 17.5%, and 28%. Your PIR rate is based on your income and your tax residency status. If you're a New Zealand tax resident, your PIR rate will be based on your taxable income for the previous two income years.

If you're a non-resident taxpayer, your PIR rate will be 28%. This is because non-resident taxpayers are only required to pay tax on their New Zealand-sourced income. ​If you do not notify your PIE fund manager (in the case of NZDF KiwiSaver, NZDF FlexiSaver or NZDF Superannuation Scheme, you will need to notify Mercer), your income earned from the Scheme will be taxed at the default rate of 28%.

You can work out your PIR by clicking here. Alternatively, please refer to the PIR table below.

  • If you don’t provide your IRD number and your PIR, highest 28% rate will apply.
  • 2021 tax year end onwards, IRD will notify the correct PIR based on personal income, and providers like Mercer must update the PIR accordingly; 
  • 2021 tax year end onwards, overpaid PIE tax may be refunded. Underpaid PIE tax is included in the year end tax calculation of the member and the member will be required to pay the shortfall;
  • If you are a new resident, when you work out your PIR, you must include non-New Zealand sourced income for that particular income year – even if you weren't a tax resident in New Zealand when the income was earned. You may elect out of this treatment in some cases, visit Inland Revenue's website www.ird.govt.nz to find out more.

    • Update Your PIR online

    To check or update your PIR, log in to your account online or via NZDF Savings Schemes App.

    To update the PIR online:

    1. Login and click  'personal details' on the top right corner
    2. Scroll down, and you can see your current PIR rate; as well as selecting your new PIR with rate effective date;
    3. If your PIR is correct then you don't need to do anything.
    4. Click ‘submit’ to complete the changes if you need to update your PIR. 

    *Previous two income years refers to the two years prior to the tax year that the PIR is being applied to. An income year is generally the period from 1 April to 31 March of the following year. However, an income year can start and end on alternative dates if Inland Revenue consents. The tax year is always the period from 1 April to 31 March of the following year.

    What is the process for determining my tax residency status?

    You can determine your tax residency by visiting https://www.ird.govt.nz/international-tax/individuals/tax-residency-status-for-individuals

    If you're still unsure about your tax residency status in New Zealand, it's a good idea to seek professional advice from a tax expert.

    How do I advise of a change in my tax residency status?

    To advise a change in your tax residency status, you will need to fill in the Notification of change of tax residency status form available on your online account. To log in click here.

    It's important to keep your tax residency status up to date with Mercer to ensure that you are paying the correct amount of tax and complying with New Zealand tax laws.

    Additional resources

    Important: Please note that any information in this material regarding legal, accounting or tax outcomes does not constitute legal advice or an accounting or tax opinion and prior to relying and acting on this information it is important that you seek independent advice from a qualified lawyer or an accountant regarding this information.