How to Get Your NZ Tax Refund
A step-by-step guide to checking if you're owed a refund and claiming it through IRD's myIR system.
Estimate your refund first
Use our Tax Refund Estimator to see if you're likely owed a refund before logging in to myIR.
Step-by-Step Process
- 1
Wait for the tax year to end
The NZ tax year runs 1 April – 31 March. You can request your PTS after 31 March for the year just ended.
- 2
Log in to myIR
Go to ird.govt.nz and sign in to your myIR account. If you don't have one, you can register with your IRD number.
- 3
Request your Personal Tax Summary (PTS)
Navigate to "Income Tax" and request your PTS. From July, IRD auto-issues PTS for most salary/wage earners — you may see it already.
- 4
Review the details
Check your income sources, PAYE deducted, and any tax credits. Make sure everything looks correct. Add any donation receipts.
- 5
Confirm and receive your refund
If a refund is shown, confirm the PTS. Refunds are typically paid to your bank account within 5-10 working days.
Common Reasons for a Tax Refund
- Wrong tax code: Using a secondary tax code (S, SH, ST) when you should be on M can result in over-deduction.
- Part-year employment: If you only worked part of the year, PAYE was calculated as if you earned that amount all year.
- Multiple jobs: Secondary tax codes often over-deduct if your combined income falls in a lower bracket.
- Donation tax credits: Donations over $5 to approved organisations qualify for a 33⅓% tax credit.
- Independent Earner Tax Credit: If you earn $24,000–$70,000 and don't receive Working for Families, you may be entitled to the $520 IETC.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check if I'm owed a tax refund?
Log in to myIR (ird.govt.nz) and request your Personal Tax Summary (PTS) after the tax year ends (after 31 March). IRD also auto-calculates refunds for many salary/wage earners from July onwards.
How long does a tax refund take?
If your PTS shows a refund and you confirm it, most refunds are paid within 5-10 working days to your nominated bank account.
Do I need to file a tax return to get a refund?
Most salary and wage earners don't need to file a full return. IRD auto-calculates your PTS. You just need to confirm the details. Self-employed individuals or those with other income must file an IR3 return.
What if I owe tax instead?
If your PTS shows tax to pay, you'll receive a notice with a due date. You can set up an instalment arrangement if you can't pay in full. Contact IRD early to avoid penalties.
Can I claim expenses to increase my refund?
Most employees cannot claim work-related expenses. Donations over $5 to approved donee organisations qualify for a 33⅓% tax credit. Self-employed individuals can claim business expenses.
Related Tools
Sources: IRD — Personal Tax Summaries. Last updated March 2026.