Working for Families
Working for Families (WFF) is a government scheme that provides tax credits to families with dependent children aged 18 or under (or 16–18 and not receiving a benefit or student allowance). The amount you receive depends on your family income, number of children, and ages of your children.
The main credits are: Family Tax Credit (a per-child payment available to all qualifying families), In-Work Tax Credit (an additional payment for families where parents work a minimum number of hours), Minimum Family Tax Credit (tops up income to a minimum level for working families), and Best Start (a payment for families with children under 3).
WFF entitlements reduce as family income rises above certain thresholds. You can receive payments weekly, fortnightly, or as a lump sum after the end of the tax year. Apply through myIR or Work and Income.
Related Terms
IRD
Inland Revenue Department (IRD), commonly known as Inland Revenue or simply IRD, is the New Zealand government agency responsible for collecting taxes, distributing social support payments, and enforcing tax compliance.
IETC
The Independent Earner Tax Credit (IETC) provides a tax credit of up to $520 per year ($10 per week) for New Zealand tax residents earning between $24,000 and $70,000 who do not receive Working for Families tax credits or a main government benefit.
Try the calculator
Use our free tool to see how working for families affects your tax.