2026 Tax Refunds & Auto-Assessments Guide
The end of the tax year (31 March 2026) is approaching. Find out when Inland Revenue (IRD) will release automatic refunds and what new tax codes apply to your income.
1. When Will You Get Paid?
For the 2025/2026 tax year ending 31 March 2026, Inland Revenue will begin processing Automatic Tax Assessments from late May 2026. You do not need to file a return if you only earn salary, wages, or benefits; the system calculates this for you automatically.
Key Date: Most automatic refunds are paid into bank accounts between 20 May and 30 June 2026. However, this only happens if your bank account details are up to date in myIR. If you owe tax, the deadline to pay is usually 7 February of the following year.
It is important to note that the timeline depends on when your employer files their final payroll information. If your employer is late reporting your March income, your assessment will be delayed.
2. Auto-Assessment vs. IR3 Filing
Not everyone gets an automatic calculation. Some taxpayers are legally required to file an Individual Tax Return (IR3). Check which category you fall into.
You Get an Automatic Assessment If:
β’ You earn salary, wages, or WINZ benefits.
β’ Your bank interest or dividends have the correct RWT rate deducted.
You Must File an IR3 If:
β’ You are self-employed or a contractor.
β’ You have rental income or foreign income.
β’ You received “Cash Jobs” or untaxed income over $200.
3. How to Prepare Your Account
Thousands of refunds bounce every year because of closed bank accounts. Follow these steps in myIR now to ensure the money lands smoothly.
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1Log in to myIR: Access the secure portal via the Verified IRD website. Ensure your contact number is current for 2FA security codes.
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2Check “My Details”: Navigate to the ‘Profile’ or ‘My Details’ tab. Look for the ‘Bank Accounts’ section and verify the suffix is correct.
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3Confirm Income: Check your ‘Summary of Earnings’ for the year ending 31 March 2026. If an old employer is still listed, contact IRD to update it.
4. Tax Rates & Thresholds 2026
Understanding your tax code prevents “Secondary Tax” shocks. It is crucial to use the correct code to avoid underpaying tax throughout the year, which results in a nasty bill at the end. Below are the standard income tax rates applicable for this assessment period.
| Annual Income | Tax Rate | Tax Code |
|---|---|---|
| Up to $15,600 | 10.5% | M |
| $15,601 – $53,500 | 17.5% | M |
| $53,501 – $78,100 | 30.0% | M |
| $78,101 – $180,000 | 33.0% | M |
| Over $180,000 | 39.0% | M |
*Note: If you have a second job, your tax code will likely be S, SH, or ST depending on your total income bracket. If you are a casual worker or contractor, you might need the WT (Withholding Tax) code. Always double-check your code with your employer’s payroll officer.
5. Scam Alert: “Refund Pending”
During tax season (May-July), scammers aggressively target New Zealanders with fake emails claiming you have a refund waiting. These phishing attempts can be incredibly sophisticated, often mirroring the exact design of the myIR portal.
π Safety Checklist
1. No Links in Texts: Inland Revenue will NEVER send you an SMS (text message) with a direct link to claim money. If you get a text link, it is a scam.
2. Log in Directly: Always type ird.govt.nz into your browser manually. Never click buttons inside an email that asks for financial details.
3. Bank Passwords: IRD will never ask for your bank password or credit card CVV to “process a refund”. They only need your bank account number.
6. Verified Links & Support
If you disagree with your automated assessment, you have a limited time to amend it. Use these Verified channels to verify your information or contact support.
Need to check your tax rate?
View Verified Tax Codes Tool
Calling from NZ: 0800 227 774
Calling from Overseas: +64 4 978 0779
7. Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a student loan, IRD will automatically check if you have met your repayment obligations. If you have underpaid based on your total income, part of your tax refund may be used to pay off the loan arrears.
Yes. You can claim 33.33% of any donations made to approved charities over $5. This is separate from the automatic assessment. You must upload your donation receipts to myIR throughout the year or at the end of the tax year.
PIR (Prescribed Investor Rate) is the tax rate for your investments (like KiwiSaver). If your PIR is too low, you will get a tax bill. If it is too high, you can now get a refund. Check your PIR in myIR immediately.
Cost of Living payments are government policy decisions and change annually. As of early 2026, check the Verified ‘News and Updates’ section on the IRD website for any new announcements regarding one-off support payments.