NZ Tax Code Checker
Find your correct NZ PAYE tax code in 30 seconds. Answer a few questions below, or scroll down for the complete reference list of every code (M, ME, M SL, ME SL, SB, S, SH, ST, SA, WT) with withholding rates.
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Tell us about your job and student loan situation — we'll match you to the correct code.
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Key Takeaway
Using the wrong tax code means you’ll either overpay or underpay PAYE during the year. IRD adjusts at year-end, but the right code avoids surprises.
Complete NZ Tax Codes List (2025-26 & 2026-27)
Every PAYE tax code issued by Inland Revenue, with its withholding rate and use case. Click any code for a full breakdown: who uses it, take-home at three income levels, when to switch, and common mistakes.
| Code | Description | Withholding |
|---|---|---|
| M | Primary-job code with no student loan and no IETC | Progressive rates (10.5%–39%) |
| ME | Primary-job code with the Independent Earner Tax Credit | Progressive rates with IETC ($520/yr credit) |
| M SL | Primary-job code with student loan, no IETC | Progressive rates + 12% student loan above $24,128 |
| ME SL | Primary job with IETC and student loan | Progressive rates + student loan + IETC |
| SB | Secondary-job code when total annual income ≤ $15,600 | Flat 10.5% |
| S | Secondary-job code — total annual income $15,601–$53,500 | Flat 17.5% |
| SH | Secondary-job code — total annual income $53,501–$78,100 | Flat 30% |
| ST | Secondary-job code — total annual income $78,101–$180,000 | Flat 33% |
| SA | Secondary-job code — total annual income over $180,000 | Flat 39% |
| SB SL | Secondary job + student loan (combined income ≤ $15,600) | 10.5% + 12% student loan |
| S SL | Secondary job + student loan (combined $15,601–$53,500) | 17.5% + 12% student loan |
| SH SL | Secondary job + student loan (combined $53,501–$78,100) | 30% + 12% student loan |
| ST SL | Secondary job + student loan (combined $78,101–$180,000) | 33% + 12% student loan |
| SA SL | Secondary job + student loan (combined over $180,000) | 39% + 12% student loan |
| WT | Withholding tax for schedular payments (contractors) | Agreed rate with payer |
How NZ tax codes work
Every employee in New Zealand must have a tax code that tells their employer how much PAYE to deduct from each pay. The code you use depends on whether the job is your primary or secondary employment, whether you have a student loan, and your expected annual income.
For your main job, the standard code is M. If your income falls between $24,000 and $70,000 and you don’t receive a government benefit, you may be eligible for the Independent Earner Tax Credit (IETC), which adds an E to your code (ME). A student loan adds an SL suffix (M SL or ME SL).
For secondary jobs, the code depends on your total income from all jobs. Secondary codes (SB, S, SH, ST, SA) apply flat withholding rates at increasing percentages as your total income rises. This ensures the correct amount of PAYE is deducted across all your employment.
If you are a contractor receiving schedular payments, you use the WT code. The withholding rate is agreed between you and the payer.
Tax codes at a glance
Primary Codes
M, ME, M SL, ME SL
Secondary Codes
SB, S, SH, ST, SA
Student Loan
Adds SL suffix
IETC Range
$24k – $70k
Frequently asked questions
What is a tax code?
A tax code tells your employer how much PAYE (Pay As You Earn) income tax to deduct from your wages. The code reflects your employment situation — whether the job is your primary or secondary employment, whether you have a student loan, and your expected annual income. See IRD tax codes for individuals.
How do I change my tax code?
Fill in an IR330 Tax code declaration form and give it to your employer. You can download the form from the IRD website or ask your employer for a copy. Your employer will adjust your PAYE deductions from the next pay period.
What happens if I use the wrong tax code?
If you use the wrong tax code, you will either overpay or underpay PAYE during the year. IRD performs an automatic income tax assessment after 31 March each year. If you overpaid, you will receive a refund. If you underpaid, you will owe tax. Using the correct code avoids these year-end surprises.
What is the Independent Earner Tax Credit (IETC)?
The IETC is a tax credit of up to $520 per year for individuals earning between $24,000 and $70,000 who do not receive a government benefit or Working for Families tax credits. If eligible, your tax code will include an 'E' suffix (e.g. ME or ME SL) so the credit is applied through your PAYE.
What is a schedular payment?
Schedular payments are payments made to contractors for specific types of work listed in the Income Tax Act, such as labour-only building work, sales commissions, or freelance work. These payments use the WT tax code and the withholding rate is agreed between the contractor and the payer.
Do I need a different tax code for each job?
Yes. You can only use a primary tax code (M, ME, M SL, ME SL) for one job — your main source of employment income. All other jobs must use a secondary tax code (SB, S, SH, ST, SA, or their student loan variants). Using a primary code for more than one job will result in underpaid tax.
Sources
Related Calculators
Last updated April 2026. Tax codes sourced from IRD.