NZ Tax Code ST SL
Secondary job + student loan (combined $78,101–$180,000) (2025-26).
Take-home on ST SL — 2025-26 IRD rates
Annual deductions for someone paid on code ST SL. Numbers below include income tax, ACC earner's levy, and student loan (where applicable). KiwiSaver is not included — add your chosen rate on top.
| Annual gross | Income tax (PAYE) | ACC levy | Student loan | Take-home | Effective rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $20,000 | $6,600 | $334 | $2,400 | $10,666 | 46.7% |
| $40,000 | $13,200 | $668 | $4,800 | $21,332 | 46.7% |
| $60,000 | $19,800 | $1,002 | $7,200 | $31,998 | 46.7% |
Source: IRD published 2025-26 tax brackets (effective from 31 Jul 2024 full year), ACC earner's levy 1.67%, student-loan rate 12% over $24,128. See full PAYE calculator for any income and pay period.
Who should use ST SL?
Use ST SL on your non-main job when your TOTAL annual income from all jobs is $78,101 to $180,000 AND you have an NZ student loan. Deductions on this job: 33% income tax + 12% SL = 45% from the first dollar.
When to switch from ST SL
- SH SL Combined income drops below $78,101.
- SA SL Combined income rises above $180,000.
- ST Student loan is paid off.
Common mistakes with ST SL
- ⚠This is the most common SL code for professional earners with a side consulting gig — typical Auckland/Wellington salary + freelance setup.
- ⚠Once your student loan is under a year from being paid off, check CCR (Compulsory Collection Rate) rules with IRD — they may adjust deductions automatically.
Unsure this is the right code? Use our tax-code checker wizard (5 questions), or jump to the full PAYE calculator for any income and pay period.
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Frequently asked questions
Does KiwiSaver come off the gross BEFORE or AFTER the 45%?
KiwiSaver is deducted from gross pay BEFORE tax. Your 3% KiwiSaver reduces taxable income for the period but does not affect the 12% SL — SL is always on the GROSS.
What if I'm over the $180k threshold for part of the year?
If you cross into $180k+ combined income mid-year, switch to SA SL from that point. IRD will reconcile over/under-payment via your year-end assessment.